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Polyurethane vs. Rubber Sheets: Which Material Should You Choose?

Selecting the appropriate material for industrial or commercial use is critical to product performance, longevity, and cost-efficiency. Among elastomeric materials, polyurethane sheets and rubber sheets are two of the most widely used. While both are flexible and durable, they differ significantly in their mechanical and chemical properties.

At PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, we manufacture and supply high-quality polyurethane rubber sheets engineered for demanding environments. This article compares polyurethane and rubber sheets to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Polyurethane Sheets
Polyurethane (PU) is a synthetic elastomer that offers excellent abrasion resistance, high load capacity, and strong chemical tolerance. It combines the resilience of rubber with the toughness of plastic, making it highly suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications.

PU Sheets

Rubber Sheets
Rubber sheets can be made from various materials, including natural rubber, EPDM, neoprene, and nitrile. These sheets are flexible, cost-effective, and widely used for general sealing, insulation, and cushioning purposes. However, their mechanical and chemical resistance varies based on the rubber type.

FeaturePolyurethane SheetsRubber Sheets (General)
Abrasion ResistanceExcellent – ideal for wear and impact zonesModerate – depends on rubber type
Tensile StrengthHigh (up to 50 MPa)Moderate (10–20 MPa)
Load-Bearing CapacitySuperior – holds shape under stressLower – may deform under pressure
ElasticityModerate – customizable hardnessHigh – ideal for gaskets and seals
Oil & Solvent ResistanceExcellent – resists most oils and fuelsVaries – nitrile is good, others less so
UV & Ozone ResistanceModerate – can be improved with additivesEPDM is excellent; natural rubber degrades
Temperature Range-30°C to 80°C (or higher with special grades)Depends on rubber type (e.g., EPDM: -40–150°C)
LifespanLong – reduced replacement frequencyModerate – more frequent replacement
CostHigher initial investmentLower upfront cost

Polyurethane sheets are ideal when:

  • High abrasion or impact resistance is required
  • The application involves heavy mechanical loads
  • Components are exposed to oils, fuels, or chemicals
  • Extended product life is desired to reduce downtime and maintenance
  • Customized hardness or dimensional tolerance is needed

Common applications include wear liners, chute linings, gaskets, bumpers, rollers, and shock-absorbing pads.

PU Sheet 3mm

Rubber sheets may be the better option when:

  • Cost is a primary concern
  • Sealing, vibration damping, or insulation is the main purpose
  • The application involves light mechanical loads
  • A high degree of flexibility and elasticity is needed
  • The rubber type matches the environmental conditions (e.g., EPDM for UV exposure)

Applications include seals, mats, protective covers, and vibration isolation pads.

PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD specializes in the production of polyurethane rubber sheets with outstanding wear resistance and mechanical properties. We serve clients worldwide with reliable lead times, stable quality, and flexible OEM/ODM support.

We offer:

  • Custom thickness, width, length, and hardness options
  • Competitive factory pricing and quality assurance
  • Strong technical support and responsive after-sales service
  • Professional consultation to help you select the best material for your needs

For inquiries, technical support, or customized polyurethane solutions, please contact our team:

Email: pengde2@pengde-pu.com
Company: PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD

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