Polyester Polyurethane vs Polyether Polyurethane

Polydrive Industries processes high quality, industrial grade, castable polyurethanes. These castable urethanes can be separated into two main categories as they are identified as either polyester based polyurethanes or polyether based polyurethanes. Both of these urethane chemistries are excellent for precision rollers and many other non-roller applications. Both are strong, tough and durable elastomers with excellent physical properties. They can be formulated to work equally well in some applications but there are other applications where, after considering all the physical and environmental aspects of the application, one will be a more appropriate choice than the other.

Polyester Polyurethanes – Typically, we use polyesters for our softer urethanes, where we formulate them in a durometer range from 15A to 85A . In general, the polyester polyurethanes are known to have excellent physical properties when it comes to tear and tensile strength as well as resistance to abrasion, oil, grease, fuel and organic solvents.

Polyether Polyurethanes – Typically, we use polyethers for our harder urethanes, where we formulate them in a durometer range from 70A to 60D. In general, the polyether polyurethanes have superior dynamics properties which makes them an excellent choice in heavily loaded roller applications which subject the urethane to a repetitive compression force. The polyethers are also superior in cold or wet applications.

When comparing polyether polyurethanes to polyester polyurethanes, the following is generally true, especially if you compare them at the same durometers.

Polydrive manufactures polyurethane products for a wide range of applications. In general, the applications can be categorized by the type of urethane most commonly used.

Our polyester polyurethanes are used in the following applications.

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