HDU
High-density urethane, known as HDU in the market, is a material that has closed-cells. This material is highly water-proof, and it is impermeable to all the oil-based diluters. The material will not shrink or deteriorate like the normal wood when exposed to water. The material is easy to cut and can be shaped according to requirements; it is also cost-effective.
This material is usually utilized for hand-carved signs and CNC-machining. This material is available in different thicknesses, sizes, and densities. Moreover, it can be easily cut into a variety of shapes.
This is a polyurethane material that is a closed-cell, rigid substrate that does not rot, warp, or crack. Its longevity is almost 10x longer than wood and that’s why it is commonly used as an alternative for outdoor wooden signage. Layering these signs in pieces to create a 3D look, and then airbrushing or painting it, can result in a beautiful artwork.
Physical Features
High Density Urethane is a “closed cell” rigid polyurethane product. It is made for utilizing it for temperatures of up to 200°F continuous exposure. Its density of 15 lbs./ft.3. It comes in custom sizes and thickness. It has a natural carved look and can withstand different weather conditions. It is like wood and cannot bear the damages that normal woods are not able to bear.
Benefits of HDU
Many benefits of HDU material that give them an edge over the rest of the materials. Let’s discuss a few of the major benefits.
- Hardness
- Lightweight
- Rigidity
- Water-resistance
- Can handle continuous exposure to temperatures of up to 200°F
Weaknesses of HDU
Though there are many benefits of HDU, still there are some areas where this material lacks. Some of the weaknesses are mentioned below.
- It is not as rugged as wood and more prone to deliberate damage
- It has neither the density nor structural strength of wood