How To Make Polyurethane Skateboards?

Skateboards are usually mass-produced in an industrial environment. They are made from polyurethane, a versatile and durable synthetic material. Frank Nasworthy invented the polyurethane skateboard wheel in 1970. Polyurethane wheels have a rubber-like grip on the road surface, expanding the potential of skateboard usage. Different types of polyurethane skateboards differ mainly in hardness, diameter, color, and shape. A durometer is a measure of wheel hardness. And diameters are the height of the wheels. Special chemicals and machinery are used to make polyurethane skateboards.

Polyurethane Skateboard wheels

Mix a batch of polyurethane. The chemical composition of the polyurethane is mixed in an appropriate proportion in the measuring machine. Metering machines are machines that heat, mix, and distribute polyurethanes.

Add color. Add dyes or other types of pigments to the batch when the polyurethane in the meter is liquid. You only need to do this if you want the skateboard wheel to have color.

Pour the polyurethane into the mold. The mold should be made of aluminum and reflect the desired wheel shape and size.

After the polyurethane is cured, the polyurethane "slug" is removed from the mold. Slug is the basic raw form of a polyurethane skateboard wheel. Place the slug on a flat surface to solidify completely.

Shape the wheels. Use a lathe to cut SL into certain shapes. The sides and driving surfaces of the wheels should be cut to exactly match each other. A lathe is a machine that rotates an object as it deforms. In this case, the lathe turns the plug as it cuts away excess polyurethane. 

Prompt

Mixed polyurethane does not necessarily need to be heated, although it can produce higher-quality wheels. 

Cautions

Clear, colorless wheels are probably the strongest. Adding pigments or dyes to replace polyurethane may weaken the wheels.

As the most direct part of the skateboard parts and the ground contact, the importance of skateboard wheels can be imagined. Because of the most friction loss with the ground, the skateboard wheel is also a part that we often replace. Choosing the right wheel is also extremely important.

When to change wheels

When to replace your old wheels depends on how often your board. It should be replaced three to four months in general, and sooner if you're a regular skier on rough floors or if you're a heavier skier. Here are a few things you should consider changing your wheels:

The wheel is worn badly and its diameter becomes smaller;

The uneven surface of the wheel;

The sliding speed obviously slows down;

Bearing loses easily or makes noise.

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