This document compares polyurethane, silicone, and rubber materials. Polyurethane is tear resistant and inexpensive but has a shorter lifespan of 5-10 years. Silicone is used for making molds and bonding surfaces as it dries quickly, can be easily removed, and lasts over 20 years but is expensive and flammable. Rubber absorbs vibrations and noise, is cost-effective but biodegradable and usually more expensive than other materials. The document recommends weighing the pros and cons as well as considering your budget and intended use before selecting between these materials.
3. FUNCTIONS LIKE A TRUE SEALANT WHEN IN LIQUID FORM, AND IS
OFTEN USED IN CASTING FOR AN ASSORTMENT OF PRODUCTS.
PROS:
- HOLDS UP TO ABRASION VERY WELL AND MORE TEAR RESISTANT
- INEXPENSIVE
- GOOD LOAD BEARING CAPACITY
CONS
- SHORTER LIFESPAN AS IT’S MADE UP OF ORGANIC MATERIAL
(LAST BETWEEN 5 AND 10 YEARS)
- DOES NOT WORK WELL IN COLD TEMPS BECAUSE IT WON’T MAKE
A PERMANENT BOND
- REMAINS TACKY FOR UP TO 24 HOURS
4. COMMONLY USED FOR MAKING MOLDS AS IT SOLIDIFIES AND
BONDING SURFACES WHEN IN LIQUID FORM.
PROS:
- LONG LIFE: IS MADE UP OF INORGANIC MATERIAL (LAST MORE
THAN 20 YEARS)
- DRIES QUICKLY
- CAN BE EASILY REMOVED FROM CASTINGS/MOLDS
CONS:
- DOES NOT WORK WELL IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS BECAUSE
DOESN’T HOLD UP TO ABRASION
- EXPENSIVE
- FLAMMABLE WHEN EXPOSED TO DIRECT FLAME
5. RUBBER IS SOFT BY NATURE AND ALLOWS FOR THE ABSORPTION OF
VIBRATIONS AND NOISE, AND CAN BE USED AS AN ADHESIVE.
PROS:
- COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR MANY APPLICATIONS
- GREAT AT REDUCING VIBRATIONS AND IS MUCH QUIETER THAN
OTHER MATERIALS SO ABLE TO ABSORB AND DAMPEN NOISE
- VERY VERSATILE; CAN BE MADE EITHER HARD OR SOFT FOR AN
ASSORTMENT OF USES
CONS:
- BIODEGRADABLE SO WILL DETERIORATE OVER TIME
- USUALLY HIGHER IN COST
6. WITH SUCH SIMILAR CHARACTERISTICS, CHOOSING BETWEEN
POLYURETHANE, SILICONE, AND RUBBER CAN BE A DIFFICULT
CHOICE. WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS, THINK ABOUT YOUR
BUDGET, AND CONSIDER THE JOB YOU’RE UNDERTAKING
BEFORE MAKING THE FINAL DECISION!
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