Elasticity Excellent Excellent
Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2024 9:52 am
Comparison Chart: TPU vs TPE
Feature/property TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) TPE (thermoplastic elastomers)
Chemical composition Polyurethane based Mixture of thermoplastic and elastomer
Flexibility High Variable (usually high)
Hardness Wide range, generally harder than TPE Wide range, generally more flexible than TPU
Abrasion resistance Excellent Good to excellent
Resistance to oils and greases Excellent Variable (usually good)
Transparency Can be transparent Usually opaque
Treatment Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding first dataset Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding
Applications Shoes, auto parts, medical devices Consumer goods, automotive components, handles
Temperature resistance Good (varies by grade) Moderate (varies by type)
Sustainability High Moderate to high
Recyclability Recyclable Recyclable
Cost Generally higher Generally weaker
Main advantages Durability, wear resistance Flexibility, soft touch, cost-effectiveness
TPU processing methods
We can process TPU plastic using various traditional and modern methods. Proper processing ensures that the TPU retains the desired properties and performs effectively in the intended applications.
Injection molding
Injection molding involves injecting molten TPU into a mold cavity which cools and solidifies into the desired shape.
Applications : Commonly used to produce complex shapes with tight tolerances, such as handles, gaskets, caps and other intricate parts.
Drying requirements : Ensure residual moisture content is ≤ 0.05% before processing to avoid brittleness.
Compression molding
Compression molding involves placing TPU material into a heated mold, compressing it into the desired shape, and then cooling it.
Applications : Suitable for the production of large, thick-walled parts that require high durability and impact resistance.
Blow molding
Blow molding produces hollow parts by inflating molten TPU in a mold cavity.
Feature/property TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) TPE (thermoplastic elastomers)
Chemical composition Polyurethane based Mixture of thermoplastic and elastomer
Flexibility High Variable (usually high)
Hardness Wide range, generally harder than TPE Wide range, generally more flexible than TPU
Abrasion resistance Excellent Good to excellent
Resistance to oils and greases Excellent Variable (usually good)
Transparency Can be transparent Usually opaque
Treatment Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding first dataset Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding
Applications Shoes, auto parts, medical devices Consumer goods, automotive components, handles
Temperature resistance Good (varies by grade) Moderate (varies by type)
Sustainability High Moderate to high
Recyclability Recyclable Recyclable
Cost Generally higher Generally weaker
Main advantages Durability, wear resistance Flexibility, soft touch, cost-effectiveness
TPU processing methods
We can process TPU plastic using various traditional and modern methods. Proper processing ensures that the TPU retains the desired properties and performs effectively in the intended applications.
Injection molding
Injection molding involves injecting molten TPU into a mold cavity which cools and solidifies into the desired shape.
Applications : Commonly used to produce complex shapes with tight tolerances, such as handles, gaskets, caps and other intricate parts.
Drying requirements : Ensure residual moisture content is ≤ 0.05% before processing to avoid brittleness.
Compression molding
Compression molding involves placing TPU material into a heated mold, compressing it into the desired shape, and then cooling it.
Applications : Suitable for the production of large, thick-walled parts that require high durability and impact resistance.
Blow molding
Blow molding produces hollow parts by inflating molten TPU in a mold cavity.