Polyurethanes or Urethanes are terms that are used interchangeably for a family of elastomers that were invented as artificial rubbers during World War II. Urethane formulations are unique engineering materials that combine the advantages of rigid plastics, metals and ceramics with the flexibility and elasticity of rubber. Characterized by their impressive properties, they replace metals, plastics and other rubbers in many forklift and material handling applications to give superior performance, significantly higher load-bearing capacities, flexibility, noise abatement, longer wear life and thereby increase cost effectiveness. Polyurethanes are the predominant base material used in our Fork Kushions & Fork Poly Load Protectors. It is the cover material for our Poly Clad Forks.