What are Thermoplastic Elastomers?
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers that consist of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
TPEs combine the processing advantages of thermoplastics with the performance characteristics of rubber, offering excellent flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance while being recyclable and easy to process.
Key Benefits:
TPE Application Categories
Versatile solutions across multiple industries
Automotive Applications
TPEs are extensively used in automotive applications due to their excellent weather resistance, flexibility, and processing advantages.
Common Applications:
- Door and window seals
- Interior trim components
- Gaskets and O-rings
- Flexible boots and bellows
- Airbag covers
Medical & Healthcare
Medical-grade TPEs offer biocompatibility, sterilization resistance, and excellent performance for healthcare applications.
Common Applications:
- Medical tubing and catheters
- Syringe components
- Respiratory masks
- IV bags and connectors
- Surgical instrument grips
Consumer Goods
TPEs provide comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal in a wide range of consumer products.
Common Applications:
- Soft-touch grips and handles
- Sporting goods and equipment
- Toys and recreational products
- Appliance seals and gaskets
- Footwear components
Industrial Applications
Industrial TPEs deliver reliable performance in demanding environments with excellent chemical and temperature resistance.
Common Applications:
- Conveyor belt components
- Industrial seals and gaskets
- Flexible couplings
- Vibration dampeners
- Cable and wire jacketing
Types of TPE Materials
Different TPE families for specific application requirements
TPE (DIOFLEX®)
Versatile thermoplastic elastomers offering excellent flexibility, durability, and easy processing.
Shore A: 10-95 | Temp Range: -60°C to 100°C
TPU (Zythane®)
Thermoplastic polyurethanes with outstanding abrasion resistance and load-bearing capacity.
Shore A: 70 – Shore D: 75 | Temp: -40°C to 120°C
TPV (Viprene®)
Thermoplastic vulcanizates combining rubber-like performance with thermoplastic processability.
Shore A: 35 – Shore D: 50 | Temp: -40°C to 135°CReady to Test Our TPE Materials?
Request a free material sample and explore how our TPE solutions perform for your application.