Why 2-Step Polyurethane Testing is So Critical for Application Success
Across the world, polyurethane material is in use in countless products and applications that businesses and consumers need and rely on every day. In each situation, the polyurethane mixture used to create the products must be developed to meet the end product performance characteristics. Chemical suppliers such as Dow, Covestro, and BASF engineer these formulations to address both external pressures from the elements like temperature, moisture, and heat and internal pressure such as cellular structure, composition, any gas nucleation used, and so on. In order to achieve success in these applications, the first step of polyurethane testing is dependent on the chemical suppliers.
For example, in the building and construction industry, polyurethane is used in everything from roofing and wall insulation to carpet padding and doors. Each element must perform reliably for a specific purpose, such as resisting hot and cold temperatures and providing cushioning and support.
Once the material formulation is validated with the product manufacture, the next step requires the identification of how to process the polyurethane at a production scale. While polyurethane as a material is flexible enough to be used in these applications, the process for creating each is unique. Different mixing ratios, temperature limitations, and proper pressure controls are required to achieve the material properties desired.
In order to ensure the proper production processing of the established chemical formulation, a second testing process is recommended with the equipment manufacturer. Different types of chemical metering systems, mix heads, blending systems, and more should all be tested to ensure that the material you need can be properly processed for long-term or mass production.
What to Look for in the Ideal Polyurethane Testing Facility
When you’re considering a new polyurethane material or process for your organization, there are a few aspects that should be considered as part of your polyurethane testing. One of these is feasibility, which seeks to determine if the mixture and process itself makes sense and can be achieved. Another is short-run production testing. Can the material be produced and managed for immediate needs? A final consideration is of course long-term production evaluation to determine efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
At Linden Polyurethane, we offer a full-service testing lab that allows organizations to conduct comprehensive polyurethane “process testing” with various types of mix heads, metering equipment, and nucleation machines. But above all, the most important consideration is quality. To that end, our facility is ISO 9001 certified for quality management. This certification recognizes our company as having the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet consumer and regulatory requirements while also providing continuous improvement.
Our polyurethane testing lab can be utilized at virtually any stage of the production process — whether prior to production or during an existing production cycle. This means that you have the opportunity to validate a polyurethane mixture or piece of equipment ahead of a full production cycle and that you can conduct testing at any time during a cycle to ensure that equipment, processes, or materials are maintaining their quality and performance.
Numerous machines are available for your testing needs, ranging from our high-pressure metering and spray machines for different material distribution applications to our gas nucleation equipment that helps to identify opportunities for material savings. And of course, a full line of mix heads are available for testing different modes of material mixing and distribution. Whatever type of equipment or application you’re looking to better understand and validate, our testing lab has the solution you need.
In addition to testing equipment performance, we’ll provide you with complete data and analytics on the equipment, material, and process so you know what to expect should you decide to move forward with implementation. You’ll learn how different materials mixed or flowed through various machines, what the rates of production were, and what other insights should be considered for your application. At the conclusion of your test, in-depth results will be provided to you.
Ready to get started? Our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our testing lab and to get started.
Achieve Your Goals with the Polyurethane Experts
Linden Polyurethane, formerly Linden Industries, has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing custom polyurethane equipment for industries around the world since 1985. Each machine and mix head we make is engineered to the specific application needs of our clients, ensuring that their equipment is exactly what they need to not only meet their production goals but also maintain consistent performance at all times. Our polyurethane testing lab is a key part of ensuring that success.
In addition to custom-designing and engineering polyurethane equipment, Linden Polyurethane is proud to offer a best-in-class warranty program for mix head repair, pump repair, and more. We can refurbish or rebuild many of our systems to maintain your initial investment, loan temporary mix heads to you while yours is in for repair, and even service equipment designed by competing organizations. Complete 24/7 support is available, with field service available as needed.
If your organization has been looking for a way to validate polyurethane equipment and material composition for long-term success, our team is ready to partner with you. By working with Linden Polyurethane, you can not only ensure that your equipment or material will meet your long-term production goals but will also be completely supported by an expert team that specializes in all things polyurethane.
Contact our team now to learn more about our testing lab, equipment, and services.
