When you think of robotics, your first thought is probably not polyurethane. You’re probably thinking of Terminator, Roombas, and Elon Musk dancing with a Tesla Bot. Yet this powerhouse material is quickly becoming a game-changer in robotics and automation. The robotics and automation industry encompasses a wide range of fields where machines and robots perform tasks automatically, especially in industrial settings such as manufacturing, logistics, and assembly lines.
Polyurethane’s unique properties, like flexibility, strength, resilience, and durability, make it an ideal solution for tackling complex industrial tasks. It holds up where other materials may fall short– whether it be robotic grippers, wheels, or shock absorbers, it can handle the task. Polyurethane also offers cost-effective longevity outlasting other materials and reducing the frequency of replacements.
In this article, we explore why polyurethane has become a top choice in robotic and automation systems by exploring its properties. We also take a closer look at its benefits and cap it all off by discussing some of its standout applications in the industry.
Why Polyurethane Material Excels in Robotics and Automation
The robotics and automation industry requires a tough material. Materials in this industry are pushed to their limit and every component must perform consistently and reliably to ensure minimal downtime and maximum efficiency. Polyurethane is a preferred material in this space due to its flexibility and strength, resilience and durability.
Polyurethane materials tick all the boxes regarding performance and reliability, which is why it excels in robotic and automation applications. Below, we discuss the most applicable properties of polyurethane in robotic and automation systems in order to showcase why it excels in this space. If you want to know more about the properties of polyurethane, be sure to head on over to our Properties of Polyurethane page.
Polyurethane’s Unique Properties:
Four standout properties of polyurethane materials are flexibility, strength, resilience, and durability. While resilience and durability may seem the same, in this context, durability refers to the ability of polyurethane to withstand environmental factors while resilience refers to its ability to handle stressors like impact and vibration.
Flexibility AND Strength: Thanks to its elasticity and high cross-link density, the chemical structure of polyurethane material combines flexibility and strength. This combination provides robotic and automation systems the adaptability they need for complex tasks without compromising quality. Unlike steel or rubber, polyurethane can flex and return to its original shape. This is crucial for robotic and automation applications that require both strength and adaptability like robotic joints and arms that undergo constant movement and stress.
Resilience: With continuous movement and stresses in robotics and automation applications, polyurethane can absorb shocks, vibrations, and impacts without losing its form. This resilience allows it to prolong the life of robotic components and maintain smoother operations such as in conveyor systems and assembly lines. Conveyor systems and assembly lines are often found in challenging environments where polyurethane’s durability comes into play.
Durability: Polyurethane materials are known for their ability to withstand extreme conditions without warping or cracking. It can also withstand exposure to various chemicals such as solvents and oils. Materials traditionally used in robotics and automation, like rubber and plastics, degrade when exposed to petrochemical solvents or oils, but urethane keeps on performing. This durability makes polyurethane ideal for environments that others may not be able to handle like manufacturing floors, outdoor robotics, and high-temperature settings.
Interested to know how Polyurethane can increase the durability of your robotic system? Contact PSI Urethanes Inc. and find out.
The Benefits of Polyurethane Material in Robotics
The unique physical properties of polyurethane, namely flexibility and strength, resilience, and durability offer numerous benefits in robotic and automation systems. These benefits include high grip and traction, shock absorption, and wear resistance. Below we discuss these benefits in more detail.
High grip and traction: Polyurethane materials have an inherent grip due to their flexible nature. This is especially apparent with softer durometers. This grip allows polyurethane components like wheels in logistics operations and robotic grippers to firmly hold a surface.
Shock absorption: Fast-moving robotics, automation systems, and high-impact environments all go hand in hand. The resilience of polyurethane materials that absorbs shocks, impacts, and vibrations, reduces wear on both the robotic system and its surroundings to extend component life.
Wear resistance: With its durable physical nature, polyurethane materials provide superior wear resistance when compared to traditional elastomers like rubber. The resilience offered by polyurethane means it can handle these high-wear scenarios while providing consistent performance. In robotic and automation systems, many components must endure repetitive stress, often in environments that cause rapid wear and tear like manufacturing and assembly operations. Components like wheels, grippers, and gaskets made from polyurethane can withstand heavy use without degrading as quickly as other materials, making it the correct choice for robotic and automation systems that are designed to work continuously.
Polyurethane provides long-lasting performance, which allows robotic and automation systems to experience less downtime and lower replacement frequency, ultimately lowering costs.
Want to learn more about the industries we serve? Click below to learn more.
Applications of Polyurethane in Robotics and Automation
The unique properties and list of benefits that polyurethane material has to offer have led to it being used in various robotics and automation applications. In this section, we look at some specific applications where the use of polyurethane materials proves invaluable.
Robot Grippers:
Robotic grippers need to be both strong and gentle, capable of handling delicate items without causing damage. Polyurethane materials offer the ideal solution, as they can be molded into soft, pliant grippers that securely hold fragile objects. This flexible adaptability is crucial for robotics applications in industries like electronics, where precision and care are essential.
Seals and Gaskets:
Robotic systems consist of various hydraulic and pneumatic systems that rely on constant pressure with no leakage. The consistent performance of urethane seals, combined with the durability they offer, make polyurethane materials ideal in seals and gasket applications. The ability to form tight, effective seals prevents fluid leaks and also prevents foreign particles from entering critical components and systems. This allows for reliable performance while also reducing wear and tear on the robotics and automation systems to ultimately extend operational life.
Shock Absorbers:
Due to its unique strength and vibration-damping qualities, polyurethane materials are great when used for shock absorbers. This makes polyurethane essential in robotics applications where impacts and vibrations are frequent. By incorporating polyurethane shock absorbers, robotics systems are better protected than traditional materials like rubber which degrade over time.
Curious to know more about the applications of polyurethane materials? Visit our Cast Polyurethane Products page to learn more.
Polyurethane material combines flexibility, strength, resilience, and durability, making it an ideal choice for the rigorous demands of robotic and automation systems. From grippers and wheels to gaskets, shock absorbers, and seals, polyurethane enhances both the efficiency and lifespan of robotic and automation components and systems, keeping them running smoothly in high-stress environments.
If you’re looking to elevate your robotic and automation systems, our range of cast urethane products is here to help. PSI Urethane is able to provide custom solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of the robotics and automation industry. Contact us today to find out where polyurethane materials can increase the longevity of your robotic systems and enhance the efficiency of your automation.