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TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a highly versatile elastomer known for its unique combination of elasticity, durability, and mechanical strength. It bridges the gap between rubber and rigid plastics, offering excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and chemical stability. TPU can be processed using standard thermoplastic methods while delivering superior performance across demanding applications such as footwear, medical devices, industrial components, and additive manufacturing.
Its customizable hardness range—from soft, rubber-like grades to rigid engineering grades—makes TPU an ideal material for applications requiring both comfort and durability.
Product Features
- Excellent durability and abrasion resistance
- High elasticity and long-term flexibility
- High tensile and tear strength
- Superior impact resistance
- Good chemical and oil resistance
- UV-resistant and weather-stable grades available
- Hydrolysis-resistant options for humid environments
- Transparent and natural appearance options
- Biocompatible grades for medical use
Suppliers
- Coim
- Covestro
- Wanhua Chemical
- Huafon
- BASF
- Lubrizol
Material Benefits
- Combines rubber-like flexibility with thermoplastic processing
- Outstanding wear resistance for long service life
- Maintains performance across a wide temperature range
- Soft-touch feel with excellent grip properties
- Customizable hardness and mechanical behavior
- Transparent, colored, and specialty grades available
- Suitable for injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing
Industry Applications
Used extensively in shoe soles, midsoles, outsoles, and cushioning components due to its flexibility, abrasion resistance, and long-lasting comfort. TPU enhances performance footwear by offering lightweight strength and excellent energy return.
Applied in smartwatch straps, protective cases, flexible housings, and soft-touch components where durability, aesthetics, and comfort are essential.
Used in flexible trims, seat components, seals, gaskets, and vibration-damping parts requiring resilience, impact resistance, and design flexibility.
Widely used in flexible filaments for prototyping and end-use parts that demand elasticity, durability, and tear resistance.
Biocompatible TPU grades are used in medical tubing, catheters, medical housings, and healthcare accessories requiring flexibility, safety, and sterilization compatibility.