Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE): Types, Properties and Advantages What is a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)? A Thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE is a flexible and rubber-like material that processes like plastic. A TPE is a true thermoplastic, which does not require vulcanization or curing. Thermoplastic elastomers are processed using a variety of plastic manufacturing equipment such as, injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. A TPE can be utilized in advanced processing such as, overmolding and two-shot molding, and can also undergo secondary operations such as, welding and bonding to various materials. Thermoplastic elastomers offer part design flexibility and easy bonding to other thermoplastic substrates. Properties of TPEs Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have a range of physical and chemical properties, here are the details: Physical properties: Flexibility: TPEs exhibit excellent flexibility, allowing them to be easily stretched and compressed, and to recover their original shape. Softness: TPEs have a soft and rubber-like texture, providing a comfortable feel and touch. Elasticity: TPEs display high elasticity, enabling them to withstand repeated stretching without permanent deformation. Processability: TPEs can be processed using common thermoplastic manufacturing techniques like injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. Melting point: TPEs have a specific melting point range, typically between 180°C and 250°C, which allows them to be melted and reshaped multiple times. Chemical properties: Compatibility: TPEs can be easily blended or co-extruded with other thermoplastics, enhancing their versatility and allowing for customized material properties. Resistance to chemicals: TPEs exhibit good resistance to various chemicals, oils, and solvents, making them suitable for applications where contact with such substances is expected. Weather resistance: TPEs often show excellent resistance to weathering, including UV radiation, maintaining their properties and appearance over extended periods of outdoor exposure. Recycling: TPEs are recyclable, making them environmentally friendly and contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices. Advantages Of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) #1. Versatile compounds and sizing. Thermoplastic elastomers are extremely versatile, making it easy to customize the material for the product’s final use and service environment. TPE tubing can range from soft and jelly-like to rigid and hard. TPE tubing can also be made in a range of custom sizes, ranging from an inner diameter of 0.063 inches to an outer diameter of one inch. The wall thickness of TPE tubing can be customized as well. Learn more about different thermoplastic elastomer types > #2. Resistant. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is naturally chemical resistant and can be made flame retardant as well. TPE products have outstanding chemical properties and stability, even when exposed to a broad range of temperatures and environmental factors. This resistance to extreme variables contributes meaningfully to the quality and durability of the final product. #3. Consistency. Thermoplastic elastomer materials require little to no compounding and no reinforcing agents, stabilizers, or cure systems. As a result, there is virtually no variation between batches. This contributes to improved consistency in both raw materials and fabricated products. The consistency of TPE makes it a desirable alternative to rubber or plastic in certain applications. #4. Eco-friendly. Thermoplastic elastomers are an excellent choice from an environmental standpoint. TPE materials made from non-toxic recyclable plastics are highly eco-friendly. TPE consumes less energy during production than other materials and can often be recycled by molding or extruding. #5. Safe for the medical and food & beverage industries. TPE is naturally latex-free and is safe for patients who are sensitive or allergic to latex. Depending on how it’s processed, TPE can be soft to the touch. This makes TPE a good choice for healthcare products that make direct contact with the patient, since that pleasant feel can make a difference in the patient’s comfort. Also, TPE is easy to sterilize, which is critical in both healthcare environments and the food and beverage industry. #6. Cost effective. TPE can be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to other materials, such as natural rubber latex, silicone, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds. TPE requires less processing and shorter fabrication times than other materials, which can significantly lower final costs. #7. Melt properties. One of the defining characteristics of TPE is its processability as a melt at elevated temperatures. This makes TPE a great choice for high-volume injection molding and extrusion. #8. Color matching. TPE responds well to color and dye and can be customized to match a full spectrum of colors and finishes, including fluorescents. TPE also has good clarity properties, which can be beneficial for medical tubing and other applications. #9. Growing market. Worldwide usage of thermoplastic elastomers has been growing steadily for several decades. Because the material and performance properties of TPE are valuable in so many contexts, many industries are continuing to discover new and innovative ways to use TPE. TPE is also being explored as an alternative material for plastic and rubber products. This will likely contribute to continued demand and use into the future. Disadvantages of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Although TPR materials offer many advantages, they also come with some disadvantages: Brittleness or loss of flexibility outside of their service temperature range Less resilience, or the ability to snap back, than natural or synthetic rubber The potential for creep, or deformation over time under a constant load, that can result in dimensional changes Limited resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, a potential problem in outdoor applications Limited bonding capability to other materials, which can complicate overmolding or the use of adhesives for product assembly Applications of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Automotive: Weather seals, shock dust boots, bumpers, exterior & interior parts, exterior & interior trims, instrument panels, air ducts, pipe grommets, glass encapsulation, drive belts, high/low pressure pipes, mats for motor scooters, and o-rings Construction: Extruded seals for doors and windows, simple or co-molded hydraulic seals, glazing seals, and pipe seals Consumer goods: Magnetic seals for refrigerators, power tool handles, remote control covers, mobile phone covers, push-button panels, and shock absorbing protections for vacuum cleaners Medical: Breathing tubes, syringe seals 7 tips, ventilation masks, bags, seals, valves, and catheters Electronics: Sheaths for condensers, plugs and loose sockets, specialty cables, and mobile phone components Footwear & sporting goods: Items for diving (flippers, snorkels, masks) and skiing (ski pole handles, ski boots), sports goods, and shoe soles Industrial: Anti-vibration mounts, inlet pipes, exhaust manifolds, seals, drum suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and roof membranes. https://www.mechdaily.com/what-is-thermoplastic-elastomer-or-tpe/