What Is TPU?


TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. It’s made from a block copolymer structure with alternating hard and soft segments, allowing it to be both tough and elastic.

Properties

  • High elasticity and flexibility
  • Excellent abrasion and wear resistance
  • Good chemical and oil resistance
  • Transparency and colorability
  • Wide hardness range (Shore A to Shore D)
  • Low-temperature performance
  • UV and weather resistance (especially aliphatic TPU types)
  • Processable via injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing

Advantages

  • Combines rubber-like flexibility with plastic-like strength
  • Excellent durability in harsh environments
  • Recyclable and moldable like other thermoplastics
  • Suitable for precision parts and soft-touch surfaces
  • Available in medical-grade and flame-retardant variants

Disadvantages

  • Higher cost compared to simpler TPEs
  • Poor high-temperature resistance—can soften or deform under heat
  • UV sensitivity in some grades (though aliphatic TPUs resist discoloration)
  • Requires careful processing to avoid degradation

Applications

TPU’s versatility makes it ideal across many industries:

Automotive

  • Gear knobs, instrument panels, seals, and console parts

Footwear

  • Soles, midsoles, and flexible components

Consumer Electronics

  • Phone cases, keyboard protectors, and wearable bands

Medical

  • Tubing, catheters, and flexible connectors

Industrial

  • Hydraulic seals, gaskets, hoses, and cable jacketing

Textiles & Apparel

  • Coatings for waterproof fabrics, inflatable materials, and adhesives

Agriculture

  • Animal ID tags and weather-resistant components

3D Printing

  • Flexible filaments for FDM and powders for SLS


TPU, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polyether
TPU filament