Polyurethane skateboard wheels are an excellent option for skateboards, as they provide a smooth ride and are resistant to abrasion. These wheels have become so popular that they have made skateboarding an enduring phenomenon. But what are they created of, and how do they operate?
High-Rebound Polyurethane Skateboard Wheels
The rebound property of high-rebound polyurethane skateboard tires makes the material stand out from other skateboard wheel materials. When skateboarding on a rough surface, wheels with a more significant rebound bounce higher and hold their position better. High-rebound polyurethane wheels also have low rotational inertia, which means they tend to stay stable when the skateboarder stands on them. A wheel with a sharp edge will load and skip more often, and experience increased friction and heat. In extreme cases, a revolution may even melt. A wheel’s abrasion resistance can be altered by adding different chemical modifiers.
The rebound of a skateboard wheel is significant. A high-rebound wheel increases your ability to overcome a wide variety of obstacles. It can be measured by removing the wheel bearings and rolling them against a ceiling. The rebounding wheel will bounce two times against the top, while a low-rebound wheel will bounce only once against the ground.
Durability
When choosing polyurethane skateboard wheels, you should consider the material used. Polyurethane is a plastic that is relatively slow to degrade. When combined with butyrate, it forms a highly resistant, durable material. But, because the compound is slow to degrade in a landfill, it can be detrimental to the environment.
Polyurethane can make various products, including insulation and coatings for appliances. In addition, it is often combined with different additives and catalysts to produce other effects. One of these additives, butyrate 430-A-ORO-43-MS, is commonly used for polyurethane skateboard wheels. Butyrate allows polyurethane skateboard wheels to have good frictional characteristics and be relatively quiet. These chemical compounds also allow for faster production and reduced material costs.
Polyurethane is made by heating chemical materials and pouring them into molds. These molds are then transferred into industrial ovens to cure. The ovens heat up the polyurethane to between 190 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This process removes air pockets from the polymer and ensures a durable final product.
Resistant to Abrasion
Polyurethane skateboard wheels have a highly resistant abrasion-resistant core that combines a high degree of transparency and clarity. The body is made from butyrate, a material produced by the Eastman Chemical Corporation in Kingsport, Tenn. Butyrate is highly transparent and available in almost any color a skateboarder can imagine. Butyrate wheels are a cheaper alternative to skateboard wheels made from other materials.
Because urethane is resistant to abrasion, these wheels are highly durable. They are highly resistant to abrasion, and the higher tensile strength of urethane wheels means they can withstand a much higher load. They also have good heat and chemical resistance and are noise-reducing. They can also be made in a variety of sizes and colors.
The composition and color of a polyurethane skateboard wheel are essential considerations when choosing one. The color depends on the materials used and the metering machine specifications. Some skateboard wheels made from polyurethane have dye or pigment to improve the color. Other factors may also be considered when choosing a skateboard wheel.
Environmental Impact
Polyurethane skateboard wheels have a mixed impact on the environment, depending on how they’re manufactured. The manufacturing process includes heating chemicals and pouring them into molds. After cooling, the molds are moved to trays and baked in industrial ovens. These heats cause the polyurethane to solidify, eliminating bubbles and weak spots.
Although polyurethane is solid and durable, it can’t be recycled. However, it can be compressed, shredded, or rebonded and used in various padding products. According to one article, around 830 million pounds of polyurethane were used in carpet cushions in 2008, and all of that polyurethane scrap was used for other products.
Skateboard wheels made of urethane are safer for the environment than clay wheels. They don’t cause deforestation, which destroys natural habitats and increases carbon emissions. Furthermore, deforestation reduces the maple tree population in Canada, which takes 40 to 60 years to grow.
