Overview

Molded Polyurethane Products for Aerospace Applications

Aerospace

ML6 Parts for High-Performance Aerospace Applications

Meridian Laboratory’s ML6 polyurethane rollers are used and trusted by professionals across the aerospace industry for numerous manufacturing and assembly processes. From rocket assembly and robotic inspection systems to airline seat trays, armrest bump stops, and non-destructive testing equipment for airplane maintenance, ML6 rollers operate quietly, won’t leave marks, and hold their shape under continuous use without flat spotting. Each roller is molded to exact specs for repeatable, long-lasting, and high-cycle use.

Application & Uses

Common Applications & Uses for Molded Polyurethane Products in Aerospace

Long-Lasting & Non-Marking

ML6 polyurethane drive rollers are used to support and rotate fuselage assemblies during the manufacturing process.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane drive rollers leave no marks or contact traces on the rocket assembly. They hold their shape under the load, preventing flat spots and providing smooth, continuous, and long-lasting rotation.

High-Precision for Accurate Readings

ML6 polyurethane molded bearings are used in the inspection of spacebound rocket fuel tanks using non-destructive testing robots.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane molded bearings feature ultra-precise total indicated runout (TIR) for accurate inspection readings, even with their incredibly small size. They protect critical fuel tank surfaces from damage or marks and can be produced in low volumes to exact specifications.

Precision Molded & Noise-Free for Repeated Use

ML6 coated idler wheels are used in airline seating trays to serve as a guide roller to minimize noise and wear on components.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 coated idler wheels and bearings are molded to exact tolerances and bonded to their cores to prevent tear-off and delamination. Made for repetitive, noise-free operation, they maintain shape and performance over time and support high volume runs.

Material Stability & Repeatable Performance

Custom molded polyurethane bump stops are utilized in airline seating to serve as a long-lasting dampener and to prevent metal-on-metal contact between surfaces.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 custom molded polyurethane bump stops are more stable and durable than other materials like rubber. We produce tens of thousands of these to exact sizes, for consistent and repeatable performance.

High-Friction & Zero Surface Marks

ML6 polyurethane covered encoder wheels and coated rollers are used on automated non-destructive test equipment to inspect various points of the aircraft with extreme detail.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane encoder wheels and rollers are precision molded with high friction ML6 polyurethane for reliable readings without any post-grinding of the urethane. They are non-marking, ensuring clean and scratch-free contact with aircraft surfaces during inspection.

Capabilities

Engineering Capabilities & Services

Meridian Laboratory provides application-specific design support to ensure every ML6 polyurethane part meets the exact needs of the system it supports. Our team offers expert guidance during initial design phases and can cross-reference and reverse engineer OEM and competitor part numbers to offer direct replacements or improved alternatives for fit, function, and performance.

  • Application-specific design consultation
  • Competitor & OEM cross-referencing

We partner closely with customers to analyze part failures, understand field challenges, and develop improved solutions using ML6 polyurethane. Our ability to formulate custom polyurethane blends allows us to tailor material properties such as abrasion resistance, chemical compatibility, and flexibility to suit even the most demanding environments.

  • Part failure analysis
  • Custom polyurethane blends for specific applications

From one-off prototypes to high-volume production, Meridian Laboratory’s precision machining capabilities ensure ML6 polyurethane parts are manufactured to exact tolerances. With both CNC and manual equipment—including automated bar feeders and precision inspection tools that measure features as small as 0.000027”—we deliver exceptional consistency and repeatability, regardless of part complexity or volume.

  • CNC and manual machining equipment to support all volumes
  • Ability to machine 1-off prototypes
  • Automated bar feeders and parts catching for maximum output
  • Precision measurement equipment capable of measuring to 0.000027” (0.0006858mm)

Our in-house manufacturing process is supported by ERP-driven process control, giving full traceability and quality assurance. We offer both low and high-volume production runs, custom laser marking for part identification, and streamlined sourcing to keep lead times short and pricing competitive.

  • ERP inventory and manufacturing order tracking systems
  • Custom laser marking
  • High and low volume production

All molds and tooling for ML6 polyurethane components are designed, machined, and maintained in-house, ensuring tight control over part accuracy, consistency, and turnaround times. By storing and servicing molds on-site, we support both long-term repeat orders and fast iterations on new or evolving part designs.

  • In-house manufacturing of all molds and tooling
  • Storage and maintenance of molds

Meridian Laboratory specializes in prototyping ML6 molded polyurethane parts, enabling engineers to test fit, form, and function early in the development process. With no minimum order quantities, our process supports quick, cost-effective iterations without the delay or expense of full production tooling.

  • In-house tooling enables fast turnaround on prototype parts
  • Wide range of durometers available for real-world testing
  • Direct collaboration with engineers for optimized designs

Parts can undergo rigorous testing and can also include First Article Inspection (FAI) and Certificates of Conformance (CoC), to ensure compliance with application and performance standards. We also perform customer-specific validation tests and material compatibility reviews to confirm ML6 polyurethane meets or exceeds functional expectations in real-world conditions.

  • First Article Inspection (FAI)
  • Certificate of Conformance (CoC)
  • Material compatibility testing
  • Customer application-specific testing
  • Prototyping

Beyond manufacturing, Meridian Laboratory provides continued support through flexible delivery options, product stocking programs, and blanket PO agreements. Our team is committed to long-term partnerships, offering technical assistance, custom packaging, and proactive follow-ups to ensure consistent product performance and customer satisfaction.

  • Ongoing technical and sales support
  • Flexible delivery scheduling
  • Custom packaging & labeling
  • Product stocking agreements
  • Blanket purchase orders
  • Post delivery follow-ups

Related Industries

Related Industries to Aerospace

heavy equipment digging

Automotive & Transportation

Application & Uses

  • Vehicle Chassis Production
  • Lift Gates for Mobility Vehicles
  • Action Sports Camera Mounts
  • Heavy Duty Vehicle Lifts
oil gas building

Military & Defense

Application & Uses

  • Bomb Diffusing Robots
  • Helicopter Hoist Tensioning
  • Recoil Buffers
  • Grenade Assembly
  • Precision Media Blasting
welding sparks

Manufacturing & Production

Application & Uses

  • Centerless Grinding
  • Semiconductor Device Fabrication
  • Glass Fabrication
  • Security Gates
  • Material Handling Carts

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Resources

Helpful Information

Browse our collection of slip ring resources to find detailed information on each model, including mounting instructions, applications, FAQs, whitepapers, and more.