Exploring the Wide World of Cast Polyurethane

What do we mean by “Surprisingly Versatile”? As an all-in-one material, cast polyurethane offers engineers the durability and reliability required for a wide range of critical product applications. Plus, it’s the most economical choice for limited production manufacturing, thanks to its superior response time and low-cost molds.

Celebrate the widespread use of cast polyurethane by checking out these unique and successful applications. See any surprises?

• Sweeper drags. Cast polyurethane lasts seven times longer than rubber when it comes to cleaning up streets. Urethane-based sweeper drags extend working life because of the extreme durability, flexibility and high abrasion and impingement resistance.
• Snowplow blades. Cutting-edge technology allows polyurethane to power through snow and ice buildup while offering the vibration and impact reduction of rubber. The blade’s edge even retains its shape against obstructions.
• Valves. It’s no secret here that cast polyurethane valves outlive metal valves times two.
  Sanitary waste facilities. It’s a dirty task, but something’s got to do it. In this harsh environment, cast polyurethane’s sheer durability and weather resistance make it an industry favorite for guide wheels, easily outperforming other elastomers.
• Gears and sprockets. No one likes a noisy machine. High modulus cast polyurethane gears and sprockets reduce noise while still transmitting full power.
• Paper converting. Here’s a real money-saver. A cast polyurethane log pusher is only 75% of the cost of the steel log pusher it replaced within the industry!
• Skateboard/inline skate wheels. No other elastomer stands a chance against the demanding wear of skateboarding and Rollerblading. From grinding on the half pipe to gravity defying vertical leaps, cast polyurethane protects enthusiasts’ wheels while providing shock and impact resistance.
• Bowling balls. Strike. Cast polyurethane offers a more consistent level of performance, long life and less deflection when hitting pins—all of which puts bowlers at the top of their game.
• Sculpture/art. Possibilities are endless with the versatility of urethane. From cast dolls to intricate shapes and designs, cast polyurethane gives art a new dimension.
  
  What products do you make from cast polyurethane? We’d love to know! Share your favorite uses of cast polyurethane by posting product information, the reason why you chose cast polyurethane versus other materials and pictures right here.
  
  Looking for more uses of cast polyurethane? Check out the PMA website at http://www.pmahome.org/Polyurethane.aspx

There’s a Glut of Job Seekers. How Do You Find the Best Ones?

With so many engineers out of work due to the down economy, and thousands of recent graduates looking for jobs, there has never been a better opportunity to hire great talent.

That’s why now is the time for polyurethane processors and suppliers to take a leadership position as an information resource for job candidates. By doing so, you can heighten interest in cast polyurethane as a great career and your company as a great place to work. It’s a chance to attract a higher caliber of engineer, while fostering the skills of the next generation of polyurethane experts, as well.

Here are a few basic ideas for promoting cast polyurethane for recruiting purposes.

• Point people to this blog and other PMA resources. The point of the SurprisinglyVersatile.com portal is to build community and get people talking about cast polyurethane issues. Get them involved in our conversation here—and chime in yourself! Keep in mind that you can also take advantage of promotional materials PMA is producing, including the Surprisingly Versatile brochure. Need copies? Contact (414) 431-3094 today.
• Develop a strategic partnership with a trade or technical college. By taking this approach, you can build relationships with faculty who may be interested in enhancing their curriculum with polyurethane knowledge and hands-on opportunities. The goal is to get engineers-to-be interested in polyurethane early in their studies. Partnering with a school also opens doors for you and your company to participate in or even host continuing education courses for engineers who are looking for new opportunities due to layoffs or career shifts.
• Experiment with social media. Taking advantage of social media resources such as facebook and LinkedIn can give you access to students and other job seekers across the country. Start, join and monitor groups where you can listen to these audiences while sharing job opportunities, scholarships, new products, and company news.