What material is used for polymer targets?

[Charles L. Cotton]

I've been trying to find out what material is used for polymer targets, but this information must be top secret! All I can find is the phrase "ballistic polymer."

Does anyone know what it is and how it is used? Is it poured, injection molded, cut from sheets, etc?

Thanks,
Chas.

[JeepGuy79]

They use polymer. I dunno, just the question was worded funny to me. sorry.

[C-dub]

It is probably a proprietary material with a decent patent because whoever makes it doesn't want just anyone to be able to whip up a batch in their kitchen.

[Thomas]

I think Mythbusters shared a decent recipe on one of their shows. It wasn't very high quality, but could be made at home.

EDIT: I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for or to do, but this should be a good starting point:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mythbus ... gel+recipe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The third item in my results was a youtube video where Adam says where they get their gel (20 seconds in).

[JJVP]

I think Mythbusters shared a decent recipe on one of their shows. It wasn't very high quality, but could be made at home.

EDIT: I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for or to do, but this should be a good starting point:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mythbus ... gel+recipe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The third item in my results was a youtube video where Adam says where they get their gel (20 seconds in).

What you have there is how to make ballistic gel. I don't believe that is what Charles is asking. He asked about polymer targets. Something like this. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/930069 ... g-_-930069" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Charles L. Cotton]

It is polyurethane. It is normally poured/injected into molds.

The durometer rating is how hard it is. They can make it durometer 20, and it will feel like silicone rubber, or durometer 100, and it will feel like hard plastic.

There are companies doing molding in Houston, but I don't remember any names.

The stuff is really tough, and lasts a long time. Used for drive belts on large equipment, too.

Thanks, that's what I need. I have someone who's going to make the molds we need, so I need to find a supplier. Is a durometer easy to find? I need to test the material we have to see what rating we need.

Thanks again,
Chas.

[DocV]

Several durometers on Amazon. Haven't the foggiest if those are useful for your purposes though.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Several durometers on Amazon. Haven't the foggiest if those are useful for your purposes though.

I don't know why, but I thought this would be a specialty tool that would be hard to find. You're right, Amazon has them in a wide price range.

Thanks,
Chas.

[WildBill]

Several durometers on Amazon. Haven't the foggiest if those are useful for your purposes though.

I don't know why, but I thought this would be a specialty tool that would be hard to find. You're right, Amazon has them in a wide price range.

Thanks,
Chas.

When you buy polyurethane components [polyol and isocyanate] the combination is rated for a nominal durometer range. After you mix Part A and Part B,and cure it the durometer is used to check for a proper mix ratio and complete cure. I can loan you a durometer.

Durometers are used to test the hardness of rubber and plastic materials. Be careful if you decide to buy one. All of the various models on Amazon will not work for your particular application. You will probably need a Shore A Type Durometer.

Polyurethane, by itself is not self-healing. It you shoot it, the hole will remain a hole. If the self-healing targets are polyurethane based, they most certainly have other components mixed in to the formula so it wouldn't be simple to duplicate on a small scale.

P.S. I noticed on Hornady's website they state "hollow point ammunition will leave holes in target".

[WildBill]

It is probably a proprietary material with a decent patent because whoever makes it doesn't want just anyone to be able to whip up a batch in their kitchen.

If it's proprietary then it won't have a patent. Patents are public information and require the inventor to disclose ingredients and processes.

[WildBill]

Here's a chart of the relative hardness of various materials.

http://www.redwoodplastics.com/brochure ... -chart.pdf

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks for all the information folks. Wildbill, if you don't mind bringing your durometer you can test the material we have on hand.

Thanks again folks,
Chas.

[WildBill]

Thanks for all the information folks. Wildbill, if you don't mind bringing your durometer you can test the material we have on hand.

Thanks again folks,
Chas.

I'll be in touch! PM sent.