The Future of Injection Urethane in Industrial Applications

Ryan Franklin
March 6, 2025

Industrial manufacturers need parts that are cost-effective, durable, and resistant to impact, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. That’s a tall order—and a major reason the industrial sector increasingly relies on our injection urethane process.

But how does the injection urethane process work? And why is it superior to traditional manufacturing techniques? We’ll explore that and more here.

Understanding the Urethane Injection Molding Process

The urethane injection molding process begins by mixing two key materials:

  • Polyol: an alcohol-based compound that provides the base structure
  • Isocyanate: the bonding chemical that eventually turns into a solid material

Once combined, we mix the liquid under high pressure and temperature. Then we inject it into a mold where it cures.

Why Is Injection Urethane Ideal For Industrial Applications?

While similar to traditional injection molding, urethane injection molding allows us to manufacture stronger and more flexible materials. It’s an ideal process for industrial applications as the final product is:

  • Strong but not brittle
  • Flexible but doesn’t lose shape over time
  • Rigid yet flexible
  • Chemical, UV, and temperature-resistant
  • More cost-effective to manufacture because it does not require expensive tooling (and often multiple molds)

Urethane Industrial Applications

For over 25 years, we've delivered injection urethane solutions across key industrial sectors. Here are a few examples of what we’ve done.

Agriculture & Livestock

Agricultural and livestock equipment is constantly exposed to extreme weather, chemicals, and daily wear and tear. The injection molding process allows us to manufacture tough, weather- and chemical-resistant components that withstand abuse. We’ve used the injection urethane process to manufacture everything from farm equipment housing to livestock facility doors, roofs, water troughs, and dairy equipment.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure sector requires components that stand up under extreme conditions. Components made with the urethane injection molding process are impact- and weather-resistant and require minimal maintenance. We've used this process to create trench covers, electrical enclosures, lighting, bus stop benches and covers, and other components that can withstand stress.

Energy

The chemical resistance and temperature stability of injection urethane make it particularly valuable for solar energy applications. We've manufactured component housings and protective covers that maintain their properties despite constant sun exposure.

Automotive/Transit

Beyond strength and flexibility, injection urethane components can be made with exceptional detail. That makes it ideal for aftermarket automotive part suppliers. We’ve used the process to manufacture car bumpers, engine housing, shrouds, and even ground effects.

What Painted Rhino Offers

There are a few reasons the industrial sector relies on our team—and our urethane injection molding process:

  • 360-degree service: We’re a one-stop shop for all things fiberglass. In addition to urethane injection molding for industrial applications, we also offer vacuum and thermoforming, tooling and metal work, and even mobile fiberglass repair.
  • We take you from concept to completion: Our team is curious, which means we never stop innovating. We’ll help you refine your ideas, build a custom production plan that meets your needs, and produce a finished product that fits your exact specifications.
  • Deep experience: We've been in the fiberglass game for nearly 30 years. That experience is unrivaled, and it allows us to tackle complex industrial challenges with proven solutions.
  • Flexibility: We use a variety of manufacturing techniques, which allows us to accommodate prototypes, short runs, and full-scale production. That flexibility means we can adapt to your evolving needs, whether you're testing a new design or scaling up for mass production.

Ready to Make Your Next Project Ridiculously Good?

Ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible? Our team thrives on a challenge, and we’re on standby, ready to help bring your next project to life. Whether you want to explore prototyping or are ready to begin full-scale production, we can make it happen. Contact us today!