Process & Materials

The revolution is Centrifugal Molding Process. This patented molding method produces a superior seal in every way; seals that are both more durable and more functional than their injection molded counterpart. And this revolutionary process is available only through Universal Seal.

Know the Process
Conventional Injection Molding				Universal Seal Centrifugal Molding
				The centrifugal mold spins the liquid Thermoset Urethane at 3600 RPM first on a vertical axis then on a horizontal axis to create a strong finished seal providing durability, functionality and affordability
Know the Material
Thermoplastic Polyurethane				Thermoset Polyurethane
Raw material Solid pellets: Injection molders typically add up to 10% recycled materials. This practice can degrade the physical properties of the finished seals; but even when 100% virgin polymers are used, the Thermoplastic's physical properties are not stable as Universal Seal's Thermoset.				Raw Material Liquid resin and curing agent: Centrifugally cast Thermoset seals use only 100% virgin ram materials. Thermoset cast are free of internal voids (i.e. air bubbles) which can cause sudden failure and costly down-time.
Molecular Structure Thermoplastic is a linear polymer consisting of separate molecules and the application of excessive heat will cause the molecules to shift and the raw material to melt.				Molecular Structure Cross-links between Thermoset molecules form a heat stable matrix which maintains the physical properties of the seal as temperatures increase.
Thermoplastic Molecule				Thermoset Molecule
Know the Advantages
Problems associated with Injection Molded Seals				Advantages of Centrifugal Molded Seals
Seals softens more rapidly as temperatures increase, leading to extrusion and nibbling failure patterns The generally higher compression set of Thermoplastic can lead to compression failures . The injection molding process can create voids inside the seal as it's molded. This can cause sudden failure of the seals and lead to costly down-time. Injection molding is not economical on short production runs. High tooling costs make the research and development of specialty seals cost-prohibitive.				The only process capable of combining both top quality and large volume in polyurethane seals. Assures a homogeneous material with no voids or trapped air insuring a stable seal. Low-cost tooling enables one-off seal production for researching and development specialty seals. Our tooling and molding process also accommodates quick mold changes for short production runs; this means savings and a seal suited precisely to your needs. Die to its inherit superior qualities, you can rely on our seals over time in all your critical applications.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane				Thermoset Polyurethane
Raw material Solid pellets: Injection molders typically add up to 10% recycled materials. This practice can degrade the physical properties of the finished seals; but even when 100% virgin polymers are used, the Thermoplastic's physical properties are not stable as Universal Seal's Thermoset.				Raw Material Liquid resin and curing agent: Centrifugally cast Thermoset seals use only 100% virgin ram materials. Thermoset cast are free of internal voids (i.e. air bubbles) which can cause sudden failure and costly down-time.
Premium Thermoplastic Thermoset Polyurethane Hardness, Shore A 90   92 Tensile Modulus PSI @ 100% Elongation 1100   1400 Tensile Modulus PSI @ 300% Elongation 2000   2600 Tensile Strength, PSI 5000   5800 Ultimate Elongation, % 450%   420% Compression Set, Method 'B'% 35%   24% Bashore Rebound , % 40%   45% Universal Seal's Thermoset Unithane 292 A - outshines even premium Thermoplastic polyurethane in all of the above strength categories. The best molding method capable of taking advantage of these benefits is the Universal Seal centrifugal molding method.   Premium Thermoplastic Thermoset Polyurethane Hardness, Shore A 90 92 Tensile Modulus, PSI @ 100% Elongation 1100 1400 Tensile Modulus, PSI @ 300% Elongation 2000 2600 Tensile Strength, PSI 5000 5800 Ultimate Elongation, % 450% 420% Compression Set, Method 'B'% 35% 24% Bashore Rebound , % 40% 45% Universal Seal's Thermoset Unithane 292 A - outshines even premium Thermoplastic polyurethane in all of the above strength categories. The best molding method capable of taking advantage of these benefits is the Universal Seal centrifugal molding method.