The Challenge
A major global cleaning equipment manufacturer approached Watts Urethane with a very specific requirement. They needed floor squeegee blades in the 35–55 Shore A range, soft enough to provide excellent contact with the floor surface, but tough enough to withstand continuous use in demanding environments.
In the polyurethane industry, the most common way to achieve this softness is to add plasticisers into the material. While effective in the short term, this method comes with serious trade-offs:
- Plasticisers weaken the polyurethane’s molecular structure
- Tear resistance is significantly reduced
- Chemical and moisture resistance decline
- Excessive wear leads to frequent blade replacement and downtime
- Overtime plasticised PU hardens due to plasticizer leaching out
For a global client running large fleets of industrial cleaning equipment, these weaknesses translate into higher operating costs, more maintenance, and reduced reliability. They wanted a solution that could deliver the required softness without sacrificing durability.
Our Approach
At Watts, we were not prepared to accept the compromises that come with plasticised polyurethane. Our team of engineers were tasked with finding a better way that would meet the client’s performance specifications without damaging the integrity of the material.
We undertook a full development cycle, testing alternative formulations and manufacturing techniques. Instead of weakening the polymer, we refined our chemistry to achieve the desired Shore hardness range while maintaining the inherent strengths of polyurethane.
This process involved:
- Careful material selection and blending
- Process development and optimisation
- Testing across multiple hardness points within the 35–55 Shore A range
- Accelerated wear, tear, and chemical resistance trials
- Direct performance comparisons against plasticised competitors
By focusing on innovation rather than shortcuts, we were able to engineer a new material grade that balanced softness with exceptional durability.
The Result
The client received a new generation of floor squeegee blades that:
- Delivered the required softness for consistent cleaning performance
- Retained superior tear, wear, chemical, and moisture resistance
- Outperformed plasticised alternatives in durability and service life
- Reduced downtime and costly replacements across their fleet
- Created measurable long-term cost savings and a more reliable product for end users
By refusing to compromise on material integrity, Watts Urethane provided the client with a solution that not only met their immediate technical need but also improved the overall efficiency and reputation of their equipment.
Why It Matters
This is the Watts difference:
- Innovation over imitation. We don’t follow the easy route if it means reducing product performance.
- Partnership mindset. Our focus is always on solving the client’s problem, not just supplying a product.
- Performance-driven materials. Our polyurethane formulations are designed to compete with and outperform alternatives such as natural rubber, Linatex, and other polyurethanes in demanding applications.
For the client, the project proved that Watts could deliver not just a component but a material advantage. For us, it reinforced our position as a trusted partner for industries that require reliable, high-performance polyurethane products. Contact us to discuss your project.