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General Questions
APS Elastomers is a full-service warehousing, distribution, shipping, and technical service organization dedicated to helping thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs.
We provide comprehensive solutions including material supply, technical support, custom formulations, and logistics services to customers across automotive, medical, industrial, and consumer goods markets.
"We Talk TPE!" is our company motto that reflects our deep expertise and passion for thermoplastic elastomers. It means we speak the language of elastomers fluently – we understand the technical complexities, application challenges, and processing requirements that our customers face.
When you work with APS Elastomers, you're working with true elastomer experts who can communicate effectively about material properties, processing parameters, and application solutions.
Address: 6271 Commerce Drive, Westland, MI 48185
Phone: (734) 710-6703
Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
We also provide emergency support by appointment for critical customer needs.
Materials & Properties
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers): A broad category of materials that combine the processing advantages of thermoplastics with the performance characteristics of rubber. They offer excellent flexibility and are recyclable.
TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes): A specific type of TPE known for superior abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, and excellent mechanical properties. Ideal for demanding applications.
TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizates): Advanced materials that combine the best properties of rubber and thermoplastics through dynamic vulcanization, offering excellent compression set resistance and weather durability.
Material selection depends on several key factors:
- Temperature Range: Operating temperature requirements
- Mechanical Properties: Hardness, tensile strength, elongation
- Chemical Resistance: Exposure to oils, chemicals, UV
- Processing Method: Injection molding, extrusion, etc.
- Regulatory Requirements: FDA, medical, automotive standards
Our technical team can help you evaluate these factors and recommend the optimal material for your specific application.
We offer elastomers across a wide hardness range:
- TPE: Shore A 10-95, Shore D 30-72
- TPU: Shore A 70-98, Shore D 40-75
- TPV: Shore A 35-95, Shore D 30-50
The choice of hardness depends on your application requirements for flexibility, load-bearing capacity, and processing characteristics.
Yes, we offer FDA-compliant and medical-grade elastomers for healthcare and food contact applications. These materials meet strict regulatory requirements for:
- Biocompatibility (USP Class VI, ISO 10993)
- FDA food contact regulations (21 CFR 177.2600)
- Sterilization resistance (gamma, EtO, steam)
- Extractables and leachables testing
Contact our technical team to discuss specific regulatory requirements for your application.
Processing & Applications
Our elastomers can be processed using standard thermoplastic processing methods:
- Injection Molding: Most common method for complex parts
- Extrusion: Profiles, tubing, and sheet materials
- Blow Molding: Hollow parts and containers
- Calendering: Thin films and sheets
- Thermoforming: Sheet forming applications
We provide detailed processing guidelines and technical support to optimize your manufacturing process.
Processing temperatures vary by material type:
- TPE: 160-220°C (320-430°F)
- TPU: 180-230°C (355-445°F)
- TPV: 180-240°C (355-465°F)
Specific temperatures depend on the grade and processing method. Our technical data sheets provide detailed processing windows, and our team can help optimize parameters for your specific equipment and application.
Yes! One of the major advantages of thermoplastic elastomers is their recyclability:
- Scrap material can be reground and reprocessed
- Typical regrind ratios: 10-25% depending on application
- No cross-linking means materials can be remelted multiple times
- Supports sustainable manufacturing practices
We can provide guidelines for incorporating recycled content while maintaining part quality and performance.
Ordering & Support
Ordering is easy! You can:
- Call us: (734) 710-6703 during business hours
- Email: Use our contact form on the website
- Visit: Our facility in Westland, MI
Our team will help you with material selection, pricing, and delivery scheduling. We can also provide samples for testing before placing larger orders.
Minimum order quantities vary by material and grade:
- Standard grades: Typically 500-1000 lbs
- Specialty grades: May require larger minimums
- Custom formulations: Usually 2000-5000 lbs
- Samples: Small quantities available for testing
Contact us to discuss your specific requirements – we work with customers of all sizes.
We provide comprehensive technical support including:
- Material selection guidance
- Processing parameter recommendations
- Troubleshooting assistance
- Application development support
- Custom formulation development
- Technical documentation and data sheets
Our experienced technical team is available during business hours and can provide on-site support for critical applications.
Delivery times depend on material availability and order size:
- Stock materials: 1-3 business days
- Standard grades: 1-2 weeks
- Custom formulations: 2-4 weeks
- Emergency orders: Same-day shipping available
We maintain significant inventory to ensure fast delivery times and can accommodate rush orders when needed.
Still Have Questions?
Our technical experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance with your elastomer needs.