As we approach 2010, some manufacturers are beginning to see a rebound in their sales. However, if they want to keep up the momentum coming out of the recession, they must expand and offer customers new options for products and services.

For plastics manufacturers, one way to grow their business is to incorporate cast polyurethane into their product offering. Plastic may be the material of choice. But in some low-volume applications, cast polyurethane can help reduce customer costs and create a stronger, more durable product.

Although an increasing number of plastics processors are using cast polyurethane, a large percentage of processors still don’t know enough about the material to understand that it could be a huge benefit for their business.

Cast polyurethane was originally developed by Otto Bayer early in World War II. It gained traction with numerous applications in the 1950s. Today, with its comparatively low tooling costs, castable polyurethane elastomers are a perfect alternative to more common materials in a variety of applications.

What impresses many manufactures is polyurethane’s physical versatility. It’s capable of being as flexible as a rubber band or as rigid as some metals. It’s especially appropriate for parts that require toughness and durability, including gears, cogs, sprockets and solid wheels of all types.

Here are some of the advantages cast polyurethane has over other materials in low-volume manufacturing applications:

•    Polyurethane can be formulated for superior load-bearing capability, abrasion resistance and impact absorption, which can help extend the life of products.
•    It doesn’t require high pressure tooling, which allows for quicker turnarounds and lower-cost molds.
•    Tooling costs 1/5 that of plastic, which reduces costs for customers.
•    Polyurethane provides faster, more accurate prototypes.
•    It’s extremely durable and wear resistant.

Are you surprised by this information? If so, perhaps you should explore further how cast polyurethane can help your company grow.

That’s why the Polyurethane Manufacturers Association exists. We are the only group dedicated to the advancement of cast polyurethane and we can connect you to resources that can help you begin providing customers with more options for products.

Business isn’t being done like it was in the past. Customers are looking for ways to reduce costs and to work with a partner who is committed to helping them remain successful. Don’t be left in the dark during the economic rebound. Consider expanding your capabilities with the addition of cast polyurethane.

Jim Hennessy is the president of the Polyurethane Manufacturing Association. He can be reached at [email protected]. For more information on the PMA and cast polyurethane, please visit the organization’s Web site at www.pmahome.org.