ENGINEERING ELASTOMER

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

The bridge between rubber and plastic. TPU offers a unique combination of flexibility, durability, and processability for creating tough, rubber-like parts on demand.

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A complex 3D printed shoe sole made from flexible TPU material

Flexible, Durable, and Abrasion-Resistant

TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer, meaning it behaves like a soft, flexible rubber but can be processed with the ease of a thermoplastic. It is formed by the reaction of polyols and diisocyanates, creating block copolymers with alternating hard and soft segments. It's these segments that give TPU its signature properties.

Rubber-Like Elasticity

TPU can be stretched significantly and will return to its original shape. Its hardness can be customized, ranging from very soft and gummy (Shore 60A) to hard and semi-rigid (Shore 95A).

Excellent Abrasion Resistance

TPU is extremely tough and resistant to scrapes, scratches, and wear. This makes it ideal for protective covers, wheels, and parts that experience constant contact and friction.

Good Chemical Resistance

It offers good resistance to many common oils and greases, making it suitable for industrial and automotive applications like seals and gaskets.

Manufacturing with TPU

3D Printing with TPU

We utilize powder bed fusion technologies like SLS and MJF to 3D print with TPU. This method is perfect for creating highly complex, flexible parts like lattice structures, custom grips, and functional elastomeric prototypes without the need for expensive tooling. It allows designers to test different hardness levels and geometries quickly and cost-effectively.

A protective guard 3D printed with flexible FDM TPU filament

TPU Injection Molding

For higher volumes, TPU is an excellent material for injection molding. It is often used in overmolding applications, where a rigid plastic part is placed into a mold and TPU is shot over it to create a soft-touch grip or a waterproof seal. It's also used to mold standalone parts like casters, grommets, and protective boots.

A medical probe with a soft, overmolded TPE/TPU grip

TPU Plastic FAQ

What is the difference between TPU and Silicone (LSR)?

Both are flexible materials, but they have key differences. TPU is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and re-molded, making it easier to process and overmold onto other thermoplastics. Silicone (LSR) is a thermoset, offering superior heat resistance and better performance at very low temperatures. Silicone also has lower compression set (returns to its shape better) and is generally more biocompatible for medical applications.

How is the hardness of TPU measured?

The hardness of flexible materials like TPU is measured using the Shore Durometer scale, typically the "Shore A" scale. A lower number (e.g., 60A) indicates a very soft, gummy material, while a higher number (e.g., 95A) indicates a much harder, semi-rigid material that is barely flexible.

Can TPU be colored?

Yes. For injection molding, color concentrates can be mixed in to produce a wide range of colors. For 3D printing, the raw powder is typically black or white, but the final parts can be dyed to achieve different colors, with black being the most common for a deep, uniform finish.