MUI offers a full range of engineering services, from design to machining, and with its extensive experience in developing urethane products, it can assist most companies in their component needs. Polyurethane is an emerging material in many industries, as its durability and customizability are second to none. It can be used to replace gears or liners, or it can be adapted for use in rockets. The capabilities of polyurethane are nearly endless, and with MUI’s expert engineering team assisting with development and production, companies can take full advantage of these capabilities.
From Start to Finish
Most polyurethane providers have an in-house engineering department, but MUI’s stands alone for its ability to assist with every part of the production process. Although companies frequently make use of existing designs for their polyurethane needs, extra design and development help is occasionally needed to handle more involved projects.
It may start with something as little as a few rough drawings, but even this is enough for MUI to go on. Using nothing but a few sketches, the engineers can develop a concept into a full scale ACAD drawing and begin prototyping the component for the client. MUI will work with the client throughout the process to ensure the component continues to meet its specifications. Following an extensive testing phase, material data sheets are passed to the client and full production runs can begin.
It’s important to note that polyurethane is marked by its high degree of workability, so MUI can design any needed features into a component without compromising its strength or reliability.
CNC Machining
Although MUI began as an oil field manufacturer, it now offers CNC machining and testing services in it engineering portfolio. By adding CNC capabilities, MUI can keep the entire design and fabrication process in-house, cutting engineering costs and lead times for its clients.
Available CNC services include:
- Vertical milling
- CNC milling
- CNC turning
- CNC lathe work
- Custom molding
Using milling and turning equipment, MUI can fabricate polyurethane components to any shape and augment the surface properties of the component to the client’s specifications. All machining operations are done using developed engineering drawings.
Machining can also be applied to the creation of custom molds, using any material that might be appropriate for the mold. If the client requires a large number of identical components, then the mold can be fabricated from epoxy or even aluminum, in some cases. If a client requires a fewer number of custom components, then the mold can be machined from silicon. The goal is to keep the client’s production costs to a minimum. Heat transferring is also taken into consideration, and extremely low thermal resistance materials are available for demanding projects.
Testing
Even after a component is designed and a prototype created, it still needs to be tested to ensure all specifications are met. Prototype testing is also handled by MUI’s engineers and is done with state-of-the-art equipment. In fact, MUI is one of the few polyurethane providers in the U.S. that can offer coefficient of friction testing for traction pads. Beyond this, MUI can also provide the following testing routines:
- Pipe coefficient of friction testing
- Umbilical coefficient of friction testing
- IR testing
- CR testing
Coefficient of friction testing determines how much energy is required to move one material across another and the pressure that results from such movement. This is essential for determining whether a material will stand up to abrasive forces and if it will interact with surrounding materials appropriately. IR testing uses infrared spectroscopy to determine that the polyurethane has synthesized properly and is of appropriate integrity. CR testing uses electromagnetic radiation in the x-ray spectrum to further image the cast polyurethane. Using a combination of IR and CR testing, MUI can spot any structural weaknesses in the design well before they have a chance to sabotage a client’s project.
Many industries turn to polyurethane for its incredible durability, but its cost-effectiveness cannot be overstated either. Because the material is so easy to customize and work with, MUI can quickly design and test a component and shorten lead times by many days, even weeks.
Whether a client requires polyurethane rollers, liners or something more involved, MUI can provide the best option for companies in any industry.