Urethane, or thermoplastic polyurethane, is a compound made from plastic and rubber. Its flexible and durable properties make urethane an attractive material to use in manufacturing procedures or for electrical insulation. Urethane products can easily be stretched or molded into different shapes or sizes while maintaining their original properties. Even in cooler temperatures or whenever it hardens, urethane and urethane products do not turn brittle or wear over time. Besides the industrial markets, the pharmaceutical, automotive, clothing and recreational businesses use urethane. Products and equipment made from urethane products include ear plugs, tire treads for elevators or escalators, and orthodontic bands, to name a few.

Benefits abound with urethane for business or manufacturing. Compared to metals, plastics and rubber, urethane lasts longer regardless of whether it's softened or hardened. Most urethane products are also FDA-approved, which means they can be used in food handling applications. Urethane molds, castings and others typically resist impact, provide noise reduction and can be inexpensive to manufacture.

1. Buy urethane products and other materials used for industrial or market use.

2. Find urethane manufacturers that provide design assistance and capabilities for molds, casts and other parts.

3. Stock accessories such as urethane primer, urethane finish and urethane remover.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for urethane products and other materials for certain industries or applications

Other markets that use urethane include boating, aerospace, chemical, electrical, mechanical, semiconductor and more.

I recommend: Urethane suppliers such as Weaver Industries produce urethane that bonds to metals. They also use urethane coating to refinish worn parts, and offer drilling and machining of urethane products like molds and inserts. Urethane distributors Sioux Rubber & Urethane offers supplies to the agricultural, chemical, mining and manufacturing industries.

Locate urethane manufacturers that offer additional services or capabilities for urethane products

Find urethane information from manufacturers or suppliers that are known for custom design and repair services.

I recommend: Gallagher offers die cutting, compression molding, liquid casting and prototyping in addition to manufacturing urethane. Urethane distributor International Rubber Products also offers engineering support and precision machinery services.

Buy urethane and urethane-related accessories and supplies

Urethane primer, urethane coating and urethane remover may be needed to finish or fix certain tools or other products.

I recommend: Urethane supply company Bailey-Parks manufactures urethane products such as coatings, dies, castings, sheets and belts. In addition to coating, primer or urethane remover, American Urethane features urethane products such as wheels, sprockets, rollers and gaskets.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  High-quality urethane should be lightweight, resilient, exhibit molding capabilities and show resistance to aging, corrosion and chemicals.
• •  Sizes and dimensions of urethane products and accessories may vary depending on the urethane manufacturer. Sizes range from 24-by-48 inches to 60-by-600 inches. Urethane products are commonly packaged as rolls, sheets, tubes and liners.