TPE |
(meets ROHS, FDA, ASTM and EN71 specifications) |
In the recent years of industrial materials development, apart from achieving high effectiveness, diversification and professionalism of products, it is a trend to set the target of high efficiency, energy saving and green management. TPE materials can meet your requirement on this aspect. TPE excels in its feature of non-toxicity, low pollution and recyclability. It gradually replaces PVC materials which are limited in import by European countries. Also, in view of environmental protection, the international brands turn to use TPE materials from PVC and rubber. This makes a fast development stage for application of TPE in various production sectors.
We respond to plastic custom molding challenges with enthusiasm, always eager to provide the solutions our clients need.
Technical and Factual Data of TPE
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The short form of Thermoplastic Elastomer is TPE, another name is Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR). It is also called artificial rubber. This includes a series of different kinds of elastic plastics materials. In the market, the common materials are SBS, SEBS, TPU, TPV and TPEE etc.
The above types are comparatively common in the market and their applications are also wide. Each type of TPE has its special feature to cater for different kinds of products under the requirements of different environments. The specifications of each kind of materials is listed below:
| TPE / TPR |
| Feature |
TPS(TPE-S) |
TPO(TEO) |
TPU(TPE-U) |
TPEE(TPE-E) |
TPEA(TPE-A) |
| SBS |
SEBS |
Compression set |
0.92~1.2 |
0.91~1.2 |
0.89~1.2 |
1.1~1.2 |
1.1~1.3 |
0.95~1.1 |
| Hardness |
20A~75D |
0A~60D |
50A~70D |
60A~75D |
40A~75D |
65A~70D |
| Temperature range |
-50~100 |
-65~120 |
-65~135 |
-50~110 |
-50~160 |
-50~80 |
| Elasticity |
G |
F/G |
F |
F |
G |
G |
| Oil resistance |
P |
P |
P/F |
E |
F/G |
F |
| Water shielding |
F |
F |
G/E |
F |
F/G |
F |
| Surface texture |
Gloss Finish |
Mat Finish |
Mat Finish |
Gloss Finish |
Mat Finish |
Mat Finish |
| Remark : P=Poor,F=Fair,G=Good,E=Excellent |
| TPS : Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomer |
| TPO : Thermoplastic Olefins Elastomer |
| TPU : Thermoplastic Urethane |
| TPEE : Thermoplastic Polyester Ester Elastomer |
| TPEA : Polyamide Thermoplastic Elastomer |
- The common finishing means can be applied – injection, extrusion, blow-molding and compression molding etc.
- Short production cycle, as there is no need to add sulphur and conduct vulcanization.
- It can be blended with different formula to change the surface tactile and the physical properties to cater for different applications
- The remaining materials can be recycled during the finishing process to reduce the production cost for the sake of environmental protection.
The advantages of TPE against vulcanized rubber are as follows:
- The production process is relatively simple. The finishing period is shorter to be economical
- The waste and remaining materials can be recycled for the sake of environmental protection
- More flexibility on product design
- Excellent Colorable
A comparison between traditional rubber and TPE on the production flow
In recent years, the application of TPE on toys is becoming common. TPE is used in toy wheels as well as hands and legs of dolls. Apart from the fact that TPE can replace PVC, the unique properties of TPE provides a creative room for toy designers to design. TPE artificial rubber does not contain toxic elements and hence needs no plasticizer. It is widely recognised as an environmentally friendly material as it does not contain Phathalates, fulfill the requirements of all countries on heavy metals (EN71 and ASTM) and the sanitation requirements of FDA on the contact between materials and food.
Comparison of TPE and soft PVC:
| |
PVC (soft) |
SBS/SEBS |
| Main component |
Chloric hydrocarbon |
Hydrocarbon |
| Feature |
Use general injection machine
Low recyclability
Strong odour during manufacturing
Toxic gas during burning
(release hydrochloric acid and dioxin)
Plasticizer contains phathalates
|
Use general injection machine
Recyclable
No odour during manufacturing
No toxic gas during burning
(release water and carbon dioxide)
Not contains phathalates |
| Service temperature |
-10 – 80 c |
-50- 100 c |
| Density |
1.3 – 1.4 |
0.9 – 1.2 |
| Hardness |
40A – 98A |
0A – 98A |
| Others |
Banned from import by European countries |
Recommended by green groups |
