Rolling Power: Urethane Is the Wheel Deal

You might say polyurethane has “reinvented the wheel.” And in this case, that’s a very good thing.

From the most spectacular skateboarding stunts to the world’s fastest roller-coasters, urethane has played a game-changing role in many people’s lives.

And yet, the story of cast polyurethane remains relatively unknown. But at PMA, we’re working to change that.

Here are a two quick snapshots of our material’s success.

n The Skating Sensation. No other elastomer or plastic wheel can meet the high-wear demands of skateboarding, in-line skating and the street luge. For all of these sports, urethane provides the necessary grip, roll and durability allowing for us to marvel at the athletes who defy gravity and air with fearless speed. The material’s superior durability is credited with enabling a skateboarding revolution and spawning an entire movement in the 1970s.
n Incredible Coasters. Racing down the track of one of today’s lightning-fast roller-coasters wouldn’t be half the hair-raising experience it is without urethane wheels. It’s in the chemistry, notes Trevor Hite, general manager of entertainment ride company Chance Morgan. Urethane wheels reduce friction on the steel tracks, wear longer and produce quicker speeds than ever.

And don’t forget a humbler but no less important advancement achieved on urethane wheels—suitcases that glide smoothly through long airport corridors, rather than weighing down weary travelers.

Clearly, urethanes have been on a roll for many years, and the potential for the material remains strong. However, to turn that potential into reality, we must continue to educate the market about these exciting successes.

So let’s all do our part and spread the word.

See any stories we missed? Feel free to share your favorite urethane wheel stories below or as always shoot us an email at rjennings@insideSH.com.