Overview
PU (polyurethane) roller sleeves are abrasion-resistant rubber sleeves used to cover conveyor rollers, guide rollers, and drive wheels. Polyurethane offers the highest abrasion resistance of any elastomer, along with high load capacity and tear strength, making PU roller sleeves ideal for high-wear, high-load material-handling applications.
ORRO Manufacturing produces PU roller sleeves by casting and machining polyurethane to precise outside-diameter, bore, and crown tolerances. We match the PU hardness to the load and grip required — from soft 70 Shore A for gentle handling to hard 95 Shore A for heavy-duty drive rollers.
Material Properties
| Property | Cast Polyurethane |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.10 - 1.25 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 30 - 50 |
| Hardness (Shore A) | 70 - 95 |
| Continuous Service Temperature (°C) | -30 to +80 |
| Tear Strength (kN/m) | 40 - 80 |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent |
| Oil Resistance | Good |
| Load Capacity | High |
Key Advantages
- Best-in-Class Abrasion Resistance: Outlasts rubber, PVC, and metal rollers in abrasive service.
- High Load Capacity: Supports heavy loads without flattening or cracking.
- Excellent Tear Strength: Resists cutting and chunking in rough handling.
- Good Oil and Chemical Resistance: Withstands many industrial fluids.
- Tunable Hardness and Grip: Durometer can be matched to friction and handling needs.
- Machinable to Precision: Bore and outside diameter are machined for smooth rotation.
Typical Applications
Conveyor and Material Handling
Coated rollers and wheels that grip and move boxes, pallets, and bulk materials.
Packaging and Printing Machinery
Nip rollers and feed rollers that resist abrasion and provide consistent grip.
Heavy-Duty Industrial Equipment
Drive wheels and load rollers in mining, steel, and construction equipment.
Machining Capabilities
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Tolerance | ±0.05 mm (bore), ±0.1 mm (outside diameter) |
| Hardness Range | 70 - 95 Shore A |
| Size Range | 20 mm to 500 mm diameter |
| Key Processes | Casting, CNC turning, grinding, bonding |
Application Case
Conveyor drive roller sleeve, 90 Shore A PU — A material-handling integrator needed drive roller sleeves that would resist abrasion from rough steel parts and hold grip under heavy load. ORRO cast and machined 90 Shore A PU sleeves to a ±0.1 mm outside-diameter tolerance, supplying 1,200 units in 14 days. The PU sleeves lasted more than three times longer than the rubber sleeves they replaced.
