Polyurethane Elastomeric Discs for Bridge Bearings

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Flexible Solutions Through Polymeric Innovation

Universal Urethane Elastomeric Discs for Bridge Bearings

Universal Urethane is a leading manufacturer and supplier of precision molded urethane elastomeric discs designed specifically for bridge bearing applications. Our advanced polyurethane wear parts combine superior mechanical properties with custom formulation to deliver durable, high-performance components engineered to meet demanding structural requirements.

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Technical Overview

Utilizing proprietary polymer chemistry, our custom molded urethane discs leverage ester and ether urethane bases—subcategorized by TDI (toluene di-isocyanate) and MDI (methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate)—to achieve exacting specifications. Cured with specialized curatives such as MOCA (MBOCA) or TMP’s, our formulations enable tailored physical properties, including:

  • Hardness Range: Maintains a controlled hardness between 60 and 64 Shore D (ASTM D2240) for durable, load-bearing performance.

  • Tensile Properties:
     – 2,000 PSI minimum at 100% elongation
     – 3,700 PSI minimum at 200% elongation (ASTM D412)

  • Tensile Strength: Exceeds 5,000 PSI minimum (ASTM D412), ensuring structural integrity under stress.

  • Ultimate Elongation: Minimum of 220% stretch before failure (ASTM D412), allowing high flexibility without cracking.

  • Compression Set Resistance: Maximum of 40% after 22 hours at 158°F (ASTM D395), minimizing permanent deformation under load.

Our manufacturing process encompasses both stock and fully custom machined elastomeric discs, ensuring tight dimensional tolerances for seamless integration into bridge bearing assemblies.

Engineered Benefits for Bridge Bearings

  • High Abrasion Resistance: Formulated to exceed performance of traditional elastomers and mild steel, providing long-lasting wear resistance critical for high wear applications.
  • Exceptional Durability: Exhibits excellent cut and tear resistance while maintaining elastomeric memory, preventing material degradation and ensuring consistent load recovery.
  • Superior Load Bearing: Designed to withstand significant static and dynamic forces typical in bridge structures, with excellent recovery after compression cycles.

 

  • Chemical & Environmental Stability: Resistant to oils, solvents, UV exposure, ozone, and hydrolytic degradation, suitable for harsh outdoor environments.
  • Wide Operating Temperatures: Maintains performance across broad temperature ranges (-30°C to +100°C+ depending on formulation).
  • Non-Marking Surface: Prevents surface damage or staining to adjacent structural components.
  • Versatile Configurations: Capable of complex geometries, including dual durometer parts for tailored stiffness and damping properties within a single component.

 

Why Choose Universal Urethane?

As a trusted urethane parts manufacturer and supplier, Universal Urethane provides:

  • Stock and Custom Solutions: Rapid availability of stock molded urethane discs alongside fully customized sizes, hardnesses, and configurations.
  • Precision Machining: Advanced machining capabilities ensure dimensional accuracy and surface finish tailored to project specifications.
  • Cost-Effective & Lightweight: Our urethane discs offer a lower cost alternative to metal components, with enhanced wear life and reduced weight.
  • Performance Recovery: Engineered to maintain elasticity and recover shape through repeated load cycles, extending bearing lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

 

Smarter Bearing Starts Here—Contact Us Now

Contact Universal Urethane today to discuss your application needs and discover how our durable, abrasion resistant urethane elastomeric discs can optimize your bridge bearing systems.

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