The widest viscosity range 2KM processes -
from free-flowing liquids to over 200,000 mPas.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is one of the most versatile materials 2KM's machines handle, spanning an exceptionally wide viscosity range - from low-viscosity liquids suited to spraying and coating, through to very high viscosity systems for bonding, pasting and composite tooling. Two-component polyurethane systems cure to form everything from flexible foams and gaskets to rigid structural parts.
Because polyurethane's isocyanate component reacts readily with moisture, correctly specified equipment matters more here than for most materials - see Material Properties below.
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Material Properties
Two-component polyurethane systems cure through a reaction between a polyol and an isocyanate, with properties ranging from flexible soft flexible foams to rigid structural plastics depending on formulation.
Typical Viscosities
Low viscosity, under 5,000 mPas, through to very high viscosity, over 200,000 mPas - the widest range of any material 2KM processes, which is why polyurethane is compatible with almost the entire PGM range.
Key Processing Notes
May need heating, agitation and recirculation to keep fillers in suspension.
A sealed unit is required to prevent moisture absorption.
Moisture-capturing filters are used on the isocyanate component, which reacts with atmospheric moisture.
Mix ratios commonly range from 1:1 to as high as 10:1.
Some formulations may need a dynamic mixing head.
2KM Machines for Polyurethane Processing
Polyurethane's exceptionally wide viscosity range means it's one of the few materials compatible with almost every machine in the PGM range - the right choice therefore depends entirely on your formulation's viscosity, the processing requirements and your application method.
- PGM 100 Compact / PGM 100 Standard - low-viscosity polyurethane, up to 5,000 mPas, for general casting, potting and bonding.
- PGM 100 Spray - spray-applied polyurethane coatings and linings, alongside polyurea spraying.
- PGM 200 / PGM 320 - mid-to-high viscosity polyurethane from pressurised vessels, up to 50,000 mPas, with the PGM 320 adding PLC-controlled ratio monitoring.
- PGM 400 / PGM 420 - the highest-viscosity polyurethane systems, for paste type products, typically circa 200,000 mPas, dispensed directly from pails or drums.
- Decanting System - bulk polyurethane repackaging into smaller, application / retail-ready bags or tins.
Supplier Compatibility
2KM systems are designed to work with materials from a wide range of manufacturers, giving customers flexibility rather than locking them into a single supplier ecosystem.
Rather than being tied to one brand, customers can confidently use approved polyurethane materials from multiple manufacturers across their operation.
Typical Applications
Polyurethane's versatility across viscosities and formulations makes it suited to an unusually broad range of processes.
Industries Using Polyurethane
Polyurethane's versatility makes it one of the most widely specified materials across 2KM's industries.
1. Marine - composite hull bonding, deck assembly, coatings.
2. Aerospace - structural bonding, composite tooling.
3. Automotive & Motorsport - RIM casting for low-volume parts, composite tooling.
4. Electronics - potting and encapsulation of components.
5. Model Making - casting of models and figurines, props and set pieces for film and theatre, spraying of polyurethane finishes.
6. Air Filtration - used commonly to bond the filter matrix to the outer frame.
Polyurethane - FAQs
What is 2-component polyurethane used for?
Two-component polyurethane is used across an unusually wide range of processes - potting, encapsulation, casting, filament winding, pultrusion, spraying, coating, sealing and bonding, foaming gaskets, composite tooling and RIM casting and many more uses - reflecting its exceptionally diverse properties.
What 2KM machines are best suited to processing polyurethane?
It depends on your formulation's viscosity, which for polyurethane can span an unusually wide range: the PGM 100 range and PGM 100 Spray suit low-viscosity casting and spray-applied polyurethane, the PGM 200 and PGM 320 handle mid-to-high viscosity up to 50,000 mPas, and the PGM 400 and PGM 420 are built to process the highest-viscosity thixotropic systems of over 50,000 mPas.
Can the machines condition my PU material to ensure it is optimally processed?
Yes - optional heating, agitation and recirculation keep fillers in suspension, moisture-capturing filters protect the moisture-sensitive isocyanate component. On board de-gassing systems are also available on some models to eliminate air entrapment, and a dynamic mixing head is available for more difficult to mix formulations.
Which industries rely on polyurethane dispensing?
Polyurethane is widely specified across marine, aerospace, automotive and motorsport, electronics, and model making...but the list really is endless - reflecting its unusually broad range of applications and properties.
Does 2KM offer access to demonstration units to help validate a new material or process?
Yes - 2KM has a full test facility for process evaluation and proof of concept before purchase, plus lease and hire options for longer-term on-site testing before you commit.
Get In Touch
Discuss Your Polyurethane Application
Not sure which machine suits your polyurethane formulation?
Call us today on +44 (0) 1527 834 720 or email us at sales@2km.co.uk
Or complete the form below and a member of our engineering team will be in touch to discuss your specific process requirements.
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