13 Polyurethane Elastomer Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for polyurethane elastomers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 polyurethane elastomer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked polyurethane elastomer companies as of November, 2024: 1.Hapco, 2.TSE Industries, Inc., 3.Mearthane Products Corporate.
Table of Contents
Okayama University Graduate School, Ph.D. (Agriculture). After working as a specially appointed Assistant Professor at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, a fluid researcher at the Okayama Prefectural Institute of Biological Sciences, and a special researcher (JSPS PD) at the Japan Society for the Promotion of Japan Science, he became independent as a freelancer.
Specializes in natural product chemistry, protein engineering, fermentation engineering, and instrumental analysis of chemicals (especially mass spectrometry chemistry).
Thesis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=HIROKAZU+USUKI
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E5%8D%9A%E4%B8%80-%E8%87%BC%E6%9C%A8-b83827228/
What Is a Polyurethane Elastomer?
Polyurethane elastomer, a synthetic rubber, is known for its excellent elasticity and rigidity. This polymer, characterized by urethane bonds, stands out for its superior mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, allowing for long-term usage. The properties of polyurethane elastomers vary significantly based on material composition and bonding methods.
There are two main types: polyester urethane rubbers (AU), which have ester bonds in the main chain, and polyether urethane rubbers (EU), with ether bonds. AU is known for its excellent oil resistance and mechanical strength but is susceptible to hydrolysis. Conversely, EU offers better resistance to hydrolysis and superior water resistance but has lower oil resistance and mechanical strength compared to AU.
Uses of Polyurethane Elastomers
Polyurethane elastomers are versatile, and used in applications like rolls, tires, conveyor belts, and sports shoe soles. Their abrasion resistance makes them ideal for belts in factories. However, caution is advised in acid or high-humidity environments due to potential deterioration. The material's high elasticity is particularly beneficial in sports shoes, highlighting the wide range of applications achievable by varying the material composition and manufacturing process.
Causes and Countermeasures for Polyurethane Elastomer Degradation
Factors such as light, heat, oxygen, water, and microorganisms contribute to the degradation of polyurethane elastomers in natural environments. Light and heat can cause oxidative decomposition, breaking urethane bonds and degrading physical properties. Countermeasures include adding UV absorbers or antioxidants. Water-induced degradation, especially in polyester urethane rubbers, involves hydrolysis of urethane bonds. This can be mitigated by incorporating carbodimide compounds. Microbial degradation, often due to fungi, is more pronounced in polyurethane than other polymers. Polyester urethane rubber, in particular, is vulnerable, with degradation mechanisms often involving hydrolysis by microorganism-produced esterases.
Types and Manufacturing Methods of Polyurethane Elastomers
Polyurethane elastomers' properties vary based on their types and manufacturing methods. The synthesis typically involves a polyaddition reaction between polyol, like glycol, and diisocyanate. The primary manufacturing methods are as follows:
Miracle Type
This common method involves forming a dough from raw materials, and then pouring and pressing it into molds. It's straightforward and efficient but has drawbacks such as susceptibility to hydrolysis and variable material properties.
Thermoplastic Type
Also known as the injection method, this approach uses resin processing techniques. Polyurethane elastomer pellets are heated, melted, and injected into molds for molding. It's cost-effective but requires expensive equipment, making it suitable for mass production.
Castable Urethane Type
In this method, liquid polyurethane elastomer is mixed with a curing agent and vulcanized in the mold. The resulting cross-linked polyurethane molecules provide high elasticity. This method is favored for its inexpensive setup and ability to process complex shapes, though it has lower manufacturing efficiency due to longer production times.
List of 13 Polyurethane Elastomer Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Canada
- Japan
-
-
-
Hapco
Urethane elastomer
Manufacturer Overview
Hapco, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of thermoset polyurethanes and epoxies for use in various applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Hanover, Massachusetts, the company specializes in producing plastic extruders, pumps, power generators and welding tools for clients in oil and gas drilling, industrial manufacturing and commercial roofing. Aside from manufacturing, the company also offers custom product design and engineering, repair and calibration services for customers with niche use cases. Hapco's clients include the Ford Motor Company, General Electric and Boston Scientific.
-
-
-
-
-
Mearthane Products Corporate
ELASTOMERIC POLYURETHANES
Manufacturer Overview
Mearthane Products Corporate, established in Western Industrial Drive Cranston, RI is a manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastics by combining the materials used in cast molding to achieve stronger, tailored, lightweight products, and components. The company offers fitness & recreation, military devices, food processing, packing, and many more products. Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) and compression molding are two distinct manufacturing processes that offer different advantages for producing parts made from thermoset materials. Reaction Injection Molding lets the designers envision things without compromising the structural integrity of the product. Whereas compression molding is related to cast molding system.
-
-
-
-
-
ESCO Plastics
Urethane Elastomers
Manufacturer Overview
Esco Plastics is a manufacturer of cast urethane products, urethane rollers, multi-durometer parts, and compression molded parts, established in 1968, and located in Texas. The company offers cast urethane products, urethane rollers, seals, elastomers, isolators, etc. Polyurethane is durable and tolerates extreme conditions, making it an ideal choice in various applications such as oil and gas, OEM equipment, automotive, aerospace, etc. Urethane seals are used for piston seals, valve seals, pipe seals, etc. It is also ideal for nozzles, bushings, gears, and pads in the oil and gas industry.
-
-
-
-
-
Minnesota Rubber & Plastics
Polyurethane (EU/AU)
Manufacturer Overview
Minnesota Rubber & Plastics was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota as a subsidiary of Trelleborg Group. The company is a designer and manufacturer of rubber and plastic components for medical devices, water, food, & beverage, specialty industrial, infrastructure, and automotive markets. The company’s core solutions include custom and standard parts. Standard parts include assemblies, inflatable and compression seals and gaskets, and Pawling Engineered Products. Custom parts include custom molded rubber, LSR injection molding, and molded plastics.
-
-
-
-
-
TSE Industries, Inc.
Polyurethane Elastomers (PUEs)
Manufacturer Overview
TSE Industries, Inc. was established in 1962 in Clearwater, Florida, USA, as a manufacturer and fabricator of polymers, machined plastics, and rubber. The company's product list consists of millathane, EPDM, nitrile, DurogripTM rubber conveyor grippers, and MillacleanTM mill roll cleaner, among others. Its services encompass plastic fabrication and machining, polyurethane elastomers (PUEs), and rubber molding and extrusion. These products are essential components in manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient material handling on conveyor systems, while the company's services offer custom solutions for sealing, cushioning, and conveying in various industries. The company serves various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, packaging, and food processing.
-
-
-
-
-
Freeman Mfg. & Supply Co.
Mold Making Polyurethane Elastomer
Manufacturer Overview
Freeman Mfg. & Supply Co. founded in 1902, is located in Avon, Ohio, and is the one-stop materials supplier to industries such as aerospace, automotive, foundry, prototyping, thermoforming, and more, that design, develop, and manufacture products to precise sizes and shapes. The portfolio of the company includes Urethane Foam Boards, Foundry Tooling Boards, Modeling & Styling Boards, Adhesives, Perfect Plank, and many more. Machinable Media of the company is the broadest and consists of a diverse offering of machinable media available, carefully selected by the company to represent the industry today.
-
-
-
-
-
Ingevity
POLYURETHANE ELASTOMERS
Manufacturer Overview
Ingevity is a manufacturer of chemistries and materials to be converted into sustainable products, established in 1922 and headquartered in South Carolina. The company’s products include Adhesives, agrochemicals, asphalt paving, lubricants, bio-plastics, etc. With the help of polycaprolactone technology, derivatives of polyurethane, the company produces bio-plastics that are 100% degradable. It also introduces Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) additive to lower the traditional mix asphalt’s temperature, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The company has offices in 31 locations, 4 manufacturing sites, and 7 technical centers. It received America’s most responsible companies award by Newsweek and Gold Ecovadis’ sustainability rating.
-
-
-
-
-
Stepan Company
Polyurethane Elastomers
Manufacturer Overview
Stepan Company is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer since 1932. The company has its headquarters in Illinois, United States, with production facilities across 11 countries. Stepan manufactures surfactants, which are ingredients in consumer products such as hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents, shampoos, and body wash. The company also provides customized solutions for the oilfield, agricultural, and construction markets. Stepan company is a major supplier of polyurethane polyols, which are used in the thermal insulation market, as well as fats and oils for the pharmaceutical, nutrition, and dietary supplement industries.
-
-
-
-
-
Polyurethane Products Corp.
Polyurethane Elastomers
Manufacturer Overview
Polyurethane Products was founded in the early 1980s and is headquartered in Addison, Illinois. The company is a manufacturer of polyurethane products, polyurethane metal fabrication tooling, and steel brake tooling for any both individual and industrial-scale projects. The company’s polyurethane metal fabrication tooling line includes radius tooling, press brake tooling, and urethane springs subdivisions which encompass custom radius tooling, hemming dies, and compression springs. Stock and standard products include urethane bumpers, coil storage, custom machining, mold making, and food-grade polyurethane.
-
-
-
-
-
American Urethane
Polyurethane Elastomers
Distributor Overview
American Urethane, established in 1979 and headquartered in Odenton, MD, USA, is a global supplier of urethane parts and components. The company prioritizes rapid response to quotes and inquiries, ensuring effective communication with knowledgeable American Urethane engineers who comprehend unique requirements. Their product line consists of vast range of urethane parts, including wheels, rollers, gears, casting, bushings, bumpers, and sprockets. Their castable urethanes cater to a variety of industries, lasting longer than plastics and rubber alternatives. Their products are both FDA and MIL-SPEC approved with services extending to various industries such as marine, material handling, medical, and more.
-
-
-
-
-
Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.
Polyurethane elastomer
Manufacturer Overview
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., established in 1911 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier in the energy and chemicals sector. The company offers a wide range of products, including petroleum, lubricants, petrochemicals, and more. These products play a critical role in fueling industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and construction. Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. also provides quality, eco-friendly solutions. They aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, ensuring a great future for both their customers and the planet.
-
-
-
-
-
Crosslink Technology Inc.
Castable Urethane Elastomers
Manufacturer Overview
Crosslink Technology, Inc., established in 1982, and located in Canada, is a manufacturer of formulated epoxy, polyurethane, and custom-cast electrical applications. Urethanes are great for adhesive, casting, roller, belting, and casting. Meanwhile, epoxy is suitable for coating, patching, laminating, sealant, etc. In sports industries, these products are used for hockey stick lamination and paddle tip sealant for canoes and kayaks. Other industries that benefited from epoxy and urethane are electric motors, industrial belting, etc. The company also offers customized epoxy and polyurethane formulations to meet customers’ requirements.
-
-
-
-
-
Trelleborg Sealing Solution
Polyurethane elastomers
Manufacturer Overview
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is based in Sweden and was established in 1952 under the name Polymer Sealing Solutions until it officially got its name in 2007, known as a manufacturer and supplier of precision seals, bearings, and tailor-made polymer components. The company also develops and produces silicon, thermoplastic, PTFE, and elastomer technologies, including composite ones for various automotive, medical, aerospace, and general applications. The company maintains a global presence, with a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and sales offices to provide localized support, rapid product delivery, and tailored solutions to customers worldwide.
-
-
Polyurethane Elastomer Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hapco |
17.6%
|
| 2 | TSE Industries, Inc. |
9.8%
|
| 3 | Mearthane Products Corporate |
9.8%
|
| 4 | ESCO Plastics |
7.8%
|
| 5 | Ingevity |
7.8%
|
| 6 | Crosslink Technology Inc. |
7.2%
|
| 7 | Stepan Company |
7.2%
|
| 8 | Minnesota Rubber & Plastics |
7.2%
|
| 9 | American Urethane |
6.5%
|
| 10 | Polyurethane Products Corp. |
5.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the polyurethane elastomer page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.: 14,000
Newly Established Company
- Crosslink Technology Inc.: 1981 (43 years ago)
- Hapco: 1969 (55 years ago)
- ESCO Plastics: 1968 (56 years ago)
Company with a History
- Freeman Mfg. & Supply Co.: 1902 (122 years ago)
- Stepan Company: 1932 (92 years ago)
- Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.: 1940 (84 years ago)
Polyurethane Elastomer Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Hapco
- Mearthane Products Corporate
- ESCO Plastics
- Minnesota Rubber & Plastics
- TSE Industries, Inc.
- Freeman Mfg. & Supply Co.
- Ingevity
- Stepan Company
- Polyurethane Products Corp.
- American Urethane
Global Distribution of Polyurethane Elastomer Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
10 | 83.3% |
Japan
|
1 | 8.3% |
Canada
|
1 | 8.3% |
