Spotlight

Formed through the reaction of polyisocyanates with polyols, polyurethane powder is a thermosetting polymer that can be processed into different forms, including powders.

In this article, we delve into the characteristics of polyurethane powder, its common uses, challenges encountered in its conveying, and the ideal UniTrak equipment for handling this material effectively.

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Polyurethane powder exhibits several key characteristics that impact its handling and processing:

Abrasive: Polyurethane powder can have abrasive properties, causing wear and tear on equipment surfaces during conveying and processing.
Fine Particle Size: The fine particle size of polyurethane powder can lead to challenges in handling and conveying, such as dust generation and flowability issues.
Hygroscopic: Polyurethane powder may absorb moisture from the environment, affecting its properties and flow behavior.

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Common Uses

Polyurethane powder finds applications in several industries due to its exceptional properties.

It is commonly used in:

Coatings and Finishes: Polyurethane powder is often utilized as a coating material for various surfaces, offering durability, chemical resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Additive Manufacturing: In the realm of 3D printing, polyurethane powder is employed as a feedstock material due to its ability to produce high-resolution prints with intricate details.
Adhesives and Sealants: Polyurethane powder serves as a key ingredient in the formulation of adhesives and sealants, providing strong bonds and reliable sealing properties.
Mold Making: Its moldability makes polyurethane powder an excellent choice for creating molds used in casting processes across industries such as automotive and aerospace.

Challenges in Conveying

Bulk material conveying of polyurethane powder poses specific challenges, including:

Abrasiveness: Abrasive wear on conveying equipment components, leading to maintenance issues and downtime.
Dust Emissions: Generation of dust during conveying, which can pose health hazards to workers and require additional dust control measures.
Flowability Issues: Poor flow characteristics of polyurethane powder, especially in hopper discharge and feeding systems, leading to flow interruptions and inconsistent process performance.

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Equipment Options

UniTrak, with its deep experience in customized bulk material handling equipment, offers specialized solutions to address the challenges associated with conveying polyurethane powder.

The ideal UniTrak equipment for handling polyurethane powder includes:

TipTrak Bucket Elevator: Equipped with abrasion-resistant buckets and customizable features, the TipTrak elevator efficiently transports polyurethane powder vertically, minimizing dust emissions and abrasive wear.
Powderflight Aeromechanical Conveyor: With its gentle handling capabilities and enclosed design, the Powderflight conveyor effectively conveys polyurethane powder while mitigating dust generation and maintaining product integrity.

Want to chat more about your specific application or materials?

Polyurethane powder is a valuable material with diverse applications across industries, but its handling and conveying present unique challenges.

UniTrak's extensive experience in designing and manufacturing customized bulk material handling equipment enables efficient and reliable handling of polyurethane powder.

Whether it's the TipTrak elevator for vertical conveying or the Powderflight conveyor for gentle handling, UniTrak offers tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of handling polyurethane powder effectively, ensuring optimal process performance and minimizing downtime.

Trust UniTrak for expert handling of your complex bulk materials.

Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the information you need for your unique applications or challenges. Book some time to speak with our team today and start the conversation.

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