TPU components in extrusion and injection molding

Thermoplastic polyurethanes for special requirements

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a high-performance polymer that combines the elasticity of rubber with the processing advantages of plastics – making TPU ideal for many applications. Due to its excellent abrasion resistance, oil resistance, elasticity and mechanical properties, we extrude and injection mold TPU primarily for vehicle components that meet precisely these requirements: Hoses and cables, seals and complex, high-precision molded parts. TPU is also often the best material for medical device components.

So-called ›functional TPU‹ is also gaining in importance. The special formulations are given properties for ‘self-healing’, shape memory or conductivity, thus extending the application limits. Conductive TPU has become a research focus for wearables and electronics, in which we at OKE are participating with practical tests.

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The variety of TPU Application areas

Vehicle components

Dashboards and control panels, headlight seals and bumpers: The applications in vehicle interiors and exteriors are diverse. This is because TPU can absorb a lot of energy in the event of impact, it provides a weather-resistant seal, has a pleasant soft-touch feel and can also be used as a crystal-clear component.

Electronics

Like all plastics, TPU has a relatively low electrical conductivity by nature. However, it is particularly suitable as an insulation material for cables due to its high mechanical strength. We use injection molding to produce housings for plugs and electronic devices that are particularly impact and scratch resistant. In the visible area, the pleasant feel is an additional advantage for this material.

Medical

TPU is highly biocompatible and sterilizable, making it the first choice for catheters, medical tubing, surgical gloves, prosthetic and orthopaedic parts and much more. At OKE, we extrude tubing from a few millimetres in diameter up to 200 millimetres.

Sealing rings

We produce O-rings and sealing rings for a wide range of applications from standard materials and specially adapted compounds. Customized or standardized.

Sustainable

The processing of TPU is developing rapidly. Chemical recycling technology in particular enables TPU to be used in closed-loop systems. However, the production of primary material is also making great progress. With bio-based TPU using renewable raw materials such as up to 60 percent castor oil.

to sustainability at OKE

Customized compounds

Polyester-based or polyether-based TPU? This is only the first question when defining a compound. We advise our customers on adapting the hardness, elasticity and resistance or very special requirements that the component has to meet.

to process development at OKE

TPU extrusion

We use extruders specializing in TPU with a coordinated screw design and temperature zones. And we use modern technologies to control the process parameters with absolute precision.

We process various degrees of hardness from Shore A to D while maintaining tight tolerances and add additives for special properties or colors. We also offer co-extrusion for functional integration.

to extrusion

TPU in injection molding

In the injection molding of TPU, experience with process parameters is crucial to success. Bubbles and brittleness can only be prevented with the correct drying, the injection temperature must be adapted to the respective type of TPU and sufficient cooling time ensures dimensional accuracy. Above all, however, we provide support in designing components to suit the material. This is because surface roughness, large gates and well-balanced, short gating systems are important for demolding TPU parts.

to injection molding

Functional integration through material combinations

The properties of TPU at a glance

High elasticity
Abrasion-resistant: For example, five to ten times higher than natural rubber, therefore also ideal for shoe soles and components subject to heavy wear
Effective temperature adaptability between -40 °C and 120 °C, special formulations even reach up to 150 °C
Chemical-resistant to oils, greases/lubricants, many solvents, weathering (UV and ozone-resistant)
Thermally deformable
Mechanical properties: Tensile strength typically between 30 and 50 MP, ductile up to 600 percent – even more via formulation adjustments, excellent resilience, hardness range adjustable from Shore A60 to D80

Feel free
to contact us!

Florian Plagemann +49 5459 914-0 florian.plagemann@oke.de

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