Milking system components

Automatic and semi-automatic milking systems on dairy farms use various food-grade PU elastomer components in critical functions: teat liners (parts in direct contact with the cow's udder, performing pulsed suction), long-line milk hoses, massage rollers in automated systems, seals in claws and pulsators, and wear parts in robotic milking systems (such as those from DeLaval, Lely, GEA, Fullwood). PU elastomers compete with vulcanized rubber in these applications, offering advantages in durability (PU teat liners can last 3-4 times longer than rubber), resistance to aggressive daily cleaning (milking systems are washed with alkaline detergent and nitric acid daily), and property stability over time. Specialized but significant volume market — each milking cow uses 4 teat liners, replaced several times per year in professional herds. Growth driven by modernization of dairy farming globally.