Standard parts work in standard applications, but many operations require more specialized solutions. That is where custom molded urethane parts provide a clear advantage.
Novathane’s custom design capabilities are in high demand for applications where off-the-shelf components fall short in reliability, durability, or cost-effectiveness. This is especially true for legacy equipment with limited access to replacement parts. In these situations, custom molded products can restore performance while improving long-term value.
Customizing Glass Rolling Spheres
One customer’s sheet glass operation relied on pivoting spheres to move glass through production. The original spheres were compression molded, a labor-intensive process that resulted in inconsistent quality and made it difficult to meet delivery targets.
Novathane recommended transitioning to a more consistent process and redesigning the component using molded polyurethane parts with a nylon insert to improve rigidity and durability. By shifting away from compression molding and refining the material approach, the customer was able to:
- Improve consistency across production runs
- Increase order quantities with confidence
- Deliver higher-quality output to their customers
“The customer chose our solution over the original manufacturer’s because it was more cost-effective,” said Rick Swineford, Novathane. “We work with our customers to find the niches that deliver real value—consistent delivery times and reliable performance at the right price.”
When OEM Replacement Parts Become Cost-Prohibitive
Another common driver for custom molded urethane parts is the rising cost of OEM replacements.
A food-processing company approached Novathane after facing excessive pricing for critical bearings. By developing a custom solution, Novathane was able to supply a more cost-effective alternative without compromising performance.
“These choices come back to defining the value needed,” Swineford explained. “Performance requirements, delivery expectations, and operating conditions all factor into the final design. Our job is to align those variables into a solution that works.”
Supporting Maintenance and Legacy Equipment
Companies that invest in custom equipment often do not anticipate long-term maintenance challenges. Over time, original suppliers may become unavailable, or sourcing replacement parts becomes difficult.
This is where Novathane’s expertise in custom mold products and reverse engineering becomes critical. By working directly with maintenance teams and engineering partners, Novathane can reproduce or improve existing components using modern materials and processes.
A Reliable Partner for Custom Molded Products
Novathane also supports companies looking to:
- Reshore supply chains and work with U.S.-based manufacturers
- Replace discontinued or hard-to-source components
- Improve part performance through updated materials and molding methods
In many cases, existing tooling can be reused. In others, Novathane recommends alternative processes—such as transitioning from compression molding to injection molding—to improve consistency and scalability.
Why Companies Choose Novathane
“Customers work with us because we look beyond the immediate issue,” Swineford said. “We solve the current problem, but we are also thinking about long-term performance—whether the part will last longer, perform better, or reduce future maintenance demands.”
That forward-looking approach is what sets Novathane apart in the development of custom molded polyurethane parts for demanding industrial applications.
To learn more about Novathane’s custom design capabilities for molded polyurethane parts, contact us or call (419) 887-3306.