The Advantages of Using Polyurethane Coated Aluminium Wheels for Belt Grinders

Polyurethane is a superior material for belt grinder wheels compared to aluminium for several reasons:

1. Durability: Polyurethane is a highly durable material that is able to withstand high levels of friction, impact, and wear without breaking down quickly. This makes it a great choice for belt grinder wheels, as it will last longer and require less maintenance over time compared to aluminium wheels.

2. Abrasion Resistance: Polyurethane has excellent abrasion resistance compared to aluminium, meaning it will not easily scratch or mark the surfaces being worked on. This is particularly important for fine grinding and finishing work, where a smooth, scratch-free surface is essential.

3. Flexibility: Polyurethane has excellent flexibility and resilience compared to aluminium. This allows it to conform to the shape of the surface being worked on, providing a consistent and smooth grinding action. The flexibility of polyurethane also helps to reduce the amount of stress placed on the grinding belt, helping to extend its life.

4. Noise Reduction: Polyurethane is also a good sound insulator, reducing the amount of noise generated during grinding operations. This makes it a more pleasant material to use, particularly in workshops and other areas where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.

5. Chemical Resistance: Polyurethane is highly resistant to many chemicals and substances, making it a great choice for applications in harsh environments where exposure to chemicals is a concern.

6. Heat Dispersion: Polyurethane is able to effectively dissipate heat, reducing heat build-up during grinding operations. This helps to extend the life of your grinding belts, maintain consistent grinding performance, and reduce the risk of warping or melting of the belt due to excessive heat.

In addition to these benefits, you can also get the best of both worlds by using polyurethane coated aluminium wheels for your belt grinder. The Shop Mate 48 and Shop Master 72 belt grinder features precision CNC machined 6061 billet aluminium wheels coated with abrasion-resistant polyurethane rubber. This provides excellent drive wheel traction, quiet operation, and a superior grinding experience with no slipping, jittering, or bouncing even when using coarse-grit grinding belts. Upgrade your belt grinder with polyurethane coated aluminium wheels today for a premium grinding experience.

The hardness of polyurethane is measured using the Shore Durometer (Duro) rating, which ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the Duro rating, the harder the PU material. For belt grinder wheels, a Duro rating of 80A and 95A is a good balance between durability and flexibility.

In conclusion, polyurethane's durability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, chemical resistance, and low compression set make it a superior material for belt grinder wheels. The use of polyurethane coated aluminium wheels on the Shop Mate 48 and Shop Master 72 belt grinder offers the best of both worlds, providing excellent traction, quiet operation, and a superior grinding experience.