Polyurethanes (PU) are known for their outstanding abrasion resistance and strength properties, which are important for applications such as conveyor belts for mining, footwear and more. Millable polyurethanes are often used for these applications, but their relatively high cost can be a disadvantage vs. general-purpose rubbers like SBR and NR. Co-vulcanizing a thin layer of the millable polyurethane over a general-purpose rubber gives a highly abrasion-resistant layer, resulting in improved performance and lower total cost compared to an all-polyurethane compound. Bonding of these dissimilar polymer types has been difficult in the past, but special formulation to either or both components has been found to result in excellent adhesion.

Rubber Labels has partnered with TSE Industries to combine our thin gauge calendering capabilities with TSE’s compounding and testing capabilities and we are currently commercializing layered PU/rubber sheets and rolls with a combined gauge as small as 15 mil (.38mm). We have developed methods for printing on these PU materials to provide full graphic/marking service, similar to our rubber label products.