Bumpers and Stop Pads

Urethane Bumpers and Stop Pads for Impact Protection

Urethane bumpers and stop pads cushion heavy equipment impacts by absorbing shock and vibration. These custom-molded polyurethane pads (often in bright red or black) are placed at end-of-travel positions or on machinery frames to serve as shock-absorbing bumpers, protecting equipment and personnel. Urethane’s resilience lets it deform under impact and then rebound without cracking, unlike steel or brittle plastics, which extends equipment life. In practice, a softer, energy-absorbing pad reduces stress on machinery, while a harder pad bears heavy loads without deflecting.

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Urethane Floor Protection

Recommended Durometer

Choosing the right hardness (durometer) balances flexibility versus load capacity. Universal Urethane’s data show:

  • 60A–80A: Softer to medium durometers give high energy absorption and cushioning (ideal for impact/shock pads and energy-absorbing bumpers).
  • 80A–95A: Harder durometers provide greater stiffness and load-bearing capacity for heavy loads and high-pressure stops.

These ranges ensure pads withstand repeated impacts. For example, 60A (soft) urethane absorbs shock effectively, whereas 90A (hard) supports heavy static loads. Engineers thus specify around 60–70A for maximum damping, and above 80A when abrasion resistance and load capacity are paramount.

Stock Shape Mapping

  • Sheets: Flat sheet stock (up to 4″ thick) is used to cut wide, flat stop pads. Thick sheets can be machined or bonded onto metal plates to make large flat bumpers or pads.
  • Rods/Bars: Cylindrical bumpers and long stop strips are turned from solid rod or bar stock. For example, longer strips cut from bar stock are ideal for strip bumpers and protective edges. Universal Urethane offers round rod stock in diameters from ½″ up to 8″, which can be milled into custom cylindrical bumpers.

Thickness Guidance

  • 0.5″–2″: Typical pad thickness for most impact applications. Thicker pads (up to 2″) are used for higher-impact, heavy-duty stops to increase energy absorption and pad life. (Universal Urethane’s stock sheets come in 0.125″–4″ thicknesses, so the recommended ½–2″ range is readily available.)
  • Greater thickness increases the cushion effect but reduces deflection. The proper thickness is chosen based on the expected impact energy and available mounting space.
Polyurethane roller stock

The photo above shows cast urethane rods in various colors and sizes, ready to be fabricated into cylindrical bumpers. These standard rods (available in ½″–8″ diameters) provide the base material for custom shock-absorbing bumpers and spacers.

red urethane sheet

Thick flat pads are made from sheet stock. The image above shows a heavy ⅗″-thick red urethane sheet (on a forklift), which can be cut into large flat pads. Urethane sheets up to 4″ are stocked, giving flexibility in pad thickness.

Requesting a Quote: What to Specify

When requesting a quote for bumpers or stop pads, specify the following:

  • Pad geometry: Dimensions and shape (flat, curved, slotted, ribbed, etc.) as needed for your machinery.
  • Thickness: The pad thickness to achieve the desired energy absorption (typically 0.5″–2″).
  • Durometer: The hardness of the urethane (select based on energy absorption vs load as above).
  • Quantity: Number of pads or bumpers required.

Each of these parameters ensures the manufacturer can match the pad to your application. To get started, contact our Request a Quote center with these details.

Urethane vs. other materials: In heavy-duty use, urethane bumpers outperform rubber or plastic alternatives due to their superior toughness. Urethane offers high load-bearing capacity and abrasion resistance while still flexing under impact. This means a urethane stop pad can safely catch equipment without cracking or wearing out prematurely. Universal Urethane’s engineers note that urethane’s combination of energy absorption and durability makes it an ideal stop pad material for equipment of all kinds

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