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Read about our capabilities, case studies and some frequently asked questions about polyurethane.
Capabilities
Case Studies
Rapid Prototyping
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is polyurethane?
- What are the advantages of using Kryptane Systems' polyurethane?
- Why are Kryptane Systems polyurethane wear products better?
- Why are some polyurethane products so cheap?
What is polyurethane?
The question that is generally asked the most when speaking to customers is, "What is polyurethane and what is it used for?" Most people have heard of and used polyurethane. In fact, in the U.S. alone the consumption of polyurethane resins has risen to more than 4½ billion pounds of material per year. The vast majority of this is used in adhesives, sealants and foams. Wear-resistant castable polyurethane accounts for less than 4% of this volume.
So what is polyurethane?
In layman's terms, polyurethane is an organic elastomer. The organic part comes from organic chemistry. Organic chemistry refers to compounds containing the element carbon, which is generally derived from coal, natural gas, or petroleum. The elastomeric part means a rubber-like substance made of high-density flexible polymer. Generally, castable urethanes have a high density (essential for wear resistance– the higher the better) and flexibility (of molding techniques for a variety of applications). As you can imagine, the range of applications that polyurethane can be used for is endless.
Kryptane Systems High Performance Polyurethanes have become the materials of choice in many applications because of two main attributes: outstanding physical properties, which produce a superior wear-resistant product, and the versatility of applications where it can be used.
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What are the advantages of using Kryptane Systems' polyurethane?
1) Performance
Kryptane Systems' polyurethanes offer unparalleled abrasion and tear resistance. They have proven themselves time and time again over the past two decades and stand up to the harshest abrasive environments.
2) Diversity
Kryptane Systems has the ability to make individual polyurethane formulations tailoring to customer specific needs. These formulations can be altered to increase the energy return, energy absorption, abrasion resistance, split-tear resistance and machine-ability. We can also easily change the hardness and color.
3) Advantages vs. Metal
Kryptane Systems' polyurethanes are lightweight, reduce noise, offer better wear resistance, and are corrosion-resistant.
4) Advantages vs. Plastics
Kryptane Systems' polyurethanes are not brittle like plastics, exhibit an elastomeric memory and provide superior abrasion resistance.
5) Advantages vs. Rubber
Kryptane Systems' polyurethanes have better abrasion and tear resistance than rubber, have a higher load-bearing capability and can be manufactured in a wider range of durometers (hardness).
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Why are Kryptane Systems polyurethane wear products better?
Kryptane Systems unique manufacturing process utilizes a one of a kind quasi process. What does that mean to you? It means the chemicals that we use are made to order, specifically formulated for us by a world-leading chemical company, so when they are mixed they are in their purest form. Simply put, chemicals that are mixed in a purer state react with one another more completely, creating a superior product. Plus, Kryptane Systems is the only manufacturer to identify a unique agent that can increase the reaction rate and force a more complete reaction of the chemicals, increasing the overall abrasion resistance of our material. Kryptane Systems polyurethane products consistently have the lowest percentage of un-reacted molecules, which is demonstrated by the superior performance of our products in the field.
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Why are some polyurethane products so cheap?
Most urethane manufacturers use A/B mixtures to produce their products. A/B mixtures are typically cheaper to purchase because they are pre-mixed by any number of companies. These chemicals sit in their warehouse until they're purchased. The main problem with this is that the longer the chemicals sit, the more they react with themselves, thereby reducing the total chemical reaction of the urethane in the finished part. Many customers have witnessed this first hand when dealing with some polyurethanes. One time they will get 6 months of life in a particular application and the next time, only 3 months. This is very common with companies that "shop" their chemicals. The older the prepolymers, the lower the cost.
The physical properties consistently achieved by Kryptane Systems are far superior to A/B component mixtures. As you can see, polyurethanes, though they look and feel similar, can vary quite a bit.
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