What Is Poly-urethane? Why Is Polyurethane Used To Manufacture Car Parts Like Bumpers And Body Kits?
Another type of polymer, like carbon fiber and fiber glass, that is used in the automotive industry is polyurethane. Since this strong, easy to manufacture polymer is cheap to use and easy to manipulate in any design, poly-urethane is used for almost anything on the inside or outside of your ride.
Depending on what type of polyurethane is used depends on what it is for. There are three types of poly-urethane: foam, reaction injection-molded, and coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. All three are used in almost every vehicle and each has a specific use.
Polyurethane foam is offers automobile manufactures the ability to produce comfortable seats easily. This high performance material allows for a wide range of shapes and sizes, without adding weight. Overtime, polyurethane foam holds its firmness, shape, and resiliency as it did when originally installed. Other interior parts that have any sort of cushion also uses poly-urethane including arm rests and head rests.
The second type of polyurethane used in automotive applications is reaction injection-molded polyurethane, also called RIM polyurethane parts. Manufactures us RIM polyurethane is used in parts that need some sort of flex, but still has plenty of strength. These body parts include fenders, bumpers and spoilers. Because of the lightweight of such body parts, having RIM polyurethane bumpers and fenders will drop weight compared to metal or steel parts and create extra mileage per gallon.
CASE polyurethanes are the last type of poly-urethanes that are used in cars. CASE stands for coating, adhesives, sealants and elastomers, all of which are used in various parts. Polyurethane coating is typically found in paint and provides a car’s exterior with the high gloss, durable finish. Some windshields and windows also use poly-urethane coating which increases strength and lowers the windows ability to fog up.
Polyurethane sealants and adhesives are used in various parts during the installation phase such as in the headlights assemblies or on plastic parts that are in need of extra bonding to other parts on the vehicle. Poly-urethane adhesives and sealants are used in the installation of the these parts because of its strength and durability.
The final polyurethane used are elastomers which are used in water seals, O-rings, and run-flat tires. The properties of these elastomers are made to allow for slight movement, however incredible durability in any application.
Polyurethane is also commonly found in aftermarket suspensions. All vehicles from factory use a rubber based mounts and bushings in the suspensions. With the age and stress, these rubber mounts and bushings deteriorate and need to be replaced. To provide stronger mounts, aftermarket company created suspension bushings, motor mounts, and transmission mounts using polyurethane.
