Overview

Molded Polyurethane Products for Military & Defense Applications

Military & Defense

ML6 Parts for High-Stakes Military & Defense Uses

Meridian Laboratory’s ML6 polyurethane parts are trusted in high-stakes military applications including bomb diffusing robots, helicopter hoist tensioning, recoil buffers, grenade assembly, and precision media blasting. The high-friction ML6 material enables secure gripping and handling of delicate or dangerous components; custom-molded profiles fit exactly to application needs. Chemically bonded for superior durability, ML6 resists delamination and protects from wear during heavy use.

Application & Uses

Common Applications & Uses for Molded Polyurethane Products in Military & Defense

Custom Profiles & Proven Durability

ML6 polyurethane covered grippers are used on top-of-the-line bomb diffusing robots by military operations worldwide, including those made by L3Harris Technologies. They allow dangerous components to be safely manipulated, keeping police and service members out of harm’s way.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane grippers deliver high friction and durability compared to other coatings and adhesives that are unable to meet grip and longevity requirements. Molded with tight tolerances and intricate designs, ML6 grippers maintain performance and ruggedness under rigorous use.

Cable-Safe Friction & Bond Strength

ML6 polyurethane covered capstans and coated bearings are used within ground-based equipment for re-tensioning helicopter hoists used in rescue operations.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane withstands the tension of steel cable while limiting cable wear compared to metal-on-metal contact. Our ML6 polyurethane is chemically bonded to the core for exceptional bond strength and zero delamination under extreme conditions.

OEM-Surpassing Performance & Tight Tolerances

ML6 polyurethane bumpers are repeatedly molded to exact size to function as recoil buffers in civilian and military firearms.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane delivers repeatable performance that exceeds OEM recoil buffers and reduces cycling noise. They are molded to tight tolerances for part-to-part consistency at any production volume.

Custom Molded with Bonding That Lasts

ML6 polyurethane coated grippers are used in the assembly and disassembly of grenades.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane grippers can be molded to exactly match complex profiles and dimensions for accurate fit while maintaining exceptional bond strength between the polyurethane and core.

Molded to Exact Profiles with Strong Durability

ML6 polyurethane grippers and flat stock are used for material handling for precision manufacturing and media blasting operations of defense-bound components.

The ML6 Advantage

ML6 polyurethane withstands exposure to harsh blasting media and shields sensitive areas from abrasion. It is molded directly to the exact profiles needed for consistent and durable protection.

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 Military & Defense

heavy equipment digging

Automation & Robotics

Application & Uses

  • Pick and Place Robots
  • Warehouse Ladders
  • Welding Simulator
  • Automated Packaging Equipment
  • Robotic Studio Cameras and Lighting
  • Vacuum Handling of Electrical Components
oil gas building

Research & Testing

Application & Uses

  • Non-Destructive Testing Equipment
  • Vehicle Crash Testing
  • Ice Core Drilling
welding sparks

Nuclear

Application & Uses

  • Nuclear Rod Handling
  • Remotely Operated Inspection Vehicles
  • Material Handling Equipment

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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.