TPE & TPU Difference
Because TPU is a subset of TPE, these two material classes have a lot in common. However, there are a few key differences between TPE and TPU, including physical properties, environmental resistance, and common applications. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right material for your product.
TPE
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) first became commercially available in the early 1950s, giving it a slightly longer history than TPU. TPE is generally lighter, softer, more flexible, and a bit easier to recycle than TPU. However, these desirable qualities come with some sacrifices: Compared to TPU, TPE is less resistant to abrasion, grease, oils, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, especially cold.
TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was introduced in 1959, a bit later than TPE, but it has gained immense popularity since then, serving as a bridge between flexible rubber thermoplastics and rigid plastics. TPU offers superior resistance to high and low temperatures, ozone, grease, oils, chemicals, and abrasion, making it a great replacement for hard rubber. TPU also has greater load-bearing capacity than most comparable materials. However, TPU is less flexible than TPE, and while its rigidity is highly desirable in many applications, it's less soft to the touch.
TPE Applications
TPEs are highly versatile and used in a wide range of industries. Some notable applications for TPE include surgical tubing, medical devices, and food and beverage tubing. TPU is also popular in automotive components, sporting goods, and household items. And because TPE is soft and comfortable to the touch, it's often used for hands-on applications, such as mouthpieces, grips and handles, and toys for children and babies.
TPU Applications
TPU is often used for applications that require high strength and durability. This includes automotive components, medical devices, high-pressure tubing, impact-resistant items and protective casings, and working parts. And because TPU's hardness is highly customizable, it can be used to make both soft and rigid components.