Polyurethane Components for Robotics

Designers increasingly rely on polyurethane robotics automation components to solve challenges tied to motion control and system longevity. These materials outperform conventional plastics and rubbers by offering a dependable balance of flexibility and resistance to wear, which is critical in robotic systems where exact performance matters. Polyurethanes offer advantages like:

We engineer our polyurethanes to meet specific mechanical and thermal resistance requirements, making them ideal for robotics operating under extreme loads and temperatures. Durethane® also offers excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for applications with exposure to oils and solvents.

Tight tolerances and unique geometries are achievable during manufacturing, allowing seamless integration into intricate robotic assemblies.

Custom AMR components benefit from polyurethane’s ability to adapt to different thermal resistance and mechanical specifications. The material also plays a crucial role in AMR machined parts and custom AGV components.

Custom polyurethane parts for robots maintain integrity over long cycles, reducing part replacement frequency and minimizing downtime.

Material versatility supports various robotic applications, from soft-touch grippers to static-sensitive environments, without compromising performance.

Polyurethane’s adaptability makes it a dependable material for high-performance robotic systems. Engineers and OEMs use it to meet tight design specifications while ensuring mechanical reliability across numerous functions.
From traction to shock absorption, polyurethane rollers for AMRs and other robotics support critical movement and protection.

Common applications include:

• Belts – Polyurethane belts deliver high tensile strength and abrasion resistance, supporting repeatable motion and drive functions in automated systems.
• Tires and Wheels – These components provide grip and control, especially on AMRs and guided vehicles navigating variable surfaces.
• Rollers – Used for smooth, quiet movement, polyurethane rollers help maintain alignment and reduce vibration in conveyors and articulated joints.
• Bumpers and Impact Pads – Shock-absorbing bumpers guard sensitive components during motion or collision, protecting assemblies from costly damage.
• Custom Profiles and Shapes – Polyurethane can be cast into complex geometries to create specialized robotic arms, clamps, and support structures.

Each application benefits from polyurethane’s ability to combine strength and flexibility. These properties help robotics engineers meet demanding mechanical and environmental requirements without compromising on precision or durability.

In robotics and automation, roller performance directly affects precision, reliability, and longevity. Engineers evaluating roller materials must weigh mechanical strength as well as design adaptability and bonding methods. Cast polyurethane consistently outperforms injection-molded alternatives across these metrics, especially in demanding or custom applications.

Cast polyurethane rollers deliver long-term performance in environments that demand resilience, precision, and customization. Their versatility makes them a reliable solution for standard and highly specialized robotic systems. These rollers offer:

• Longer Wear Life: Exceptional abrasion and tear resistance supports high-friction, high-load conditions with minimal degradation over time.
• Customizable Properties: Available across a wide durometer range and tunable for rebound, compression set, and chemical resistance.
• Precision and Finish: After casting, parts can be machined and ground to extremely tight tolerances with smooth, consistent surface finishes.
• Strong Bonding: Urethanes chemically bond to metal, plastic, and composite cores without relying on mechanical fasteners.
• Design Flexibility: Lower tooling costs and adaptable manufacturing enable complex shapes, varied wall thicknesses, and fully assembled components.
• Durability in Harsh Environments: Withstands impact, vibration, and thermal cycling without compromising part integrity.

Injection-molded rollers often fall short in applications where durability, dimensional accuracy, or custom design features are critical. These limitations can lead to increased maintenance needs, shorter lifespans, and higher costs in low-volume or evolving designs:

• Reduced Wear Life: More prone to abrasion and surface breakdown, particularly under repeated stress.
• Limited Material Flexibility: Narrow durometer range and less adaptability in mechanical properties.
• Dimensional Variability: Shrinkage and warping during cooling can introduce alignment and tolerance issues.
• Weaker Bonding: Often requires mechanical retention instead of forming strong chemical bonds.
• High Tooling Costs: Design changes or short production runs become cost-prohibitive due to the expense of retooling.

Cast polyurethane rollers provide superior durability, dimensional precision, bonding strength, and design flexibility, making them the preferred choice for critical movement and material handling in robotic systems.

MPC works closely with engineers to produce custom polyurethane parts for robots that meet exact functional and dimensional requirements. From early design input to full-scale production, our team brings decades of experience solving material and application challenges across the robotics industry.

We cast polyurethane in complex shapes and tight tolerances using advanced open-cast molding processes. In-house tooling allows for fast turnaround on prototypes and new product iterations. At the same time, our ability to scale from short runs to high-volume production keeps supply aligned with your program timeline.

We handle machining, bonding, and secondary operations under one roof to maintain quality and control. We also custom-formulate and process polyurethanes to meet the needs of numerous environments.

Choosing the right robotics automation components requires understanding how material properties align with system demands. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from engineers and integrators.