Laripur Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Laripur is a comprehensive range of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compounds manufactured by COIM Group in Italy and supplied to the UK market by Abbey Polymers. TPU bridges the gap between conventional rubber and rigid thermoplastics, combining the elasticity and abrasion resistance of rubber with the processing efficiency and recyclability of a thermoplastic. The result is a highly versatile material suited to applications where flexibility, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance are all required.
The Laripur range covers hardness values from Shore A 50 through to Shore D 75, with grades available for injection moulding, extrusion, and calendering. Abbey Polymers stocks and supplies key Laripur grades, providing UK manufacturers with reliable access to high-performance TPU backed by application-specific technical support.
Why TPU?
Thermoplastic polyurethane occupies a unique position among engineering materials. It offers the elastic behaviour and energy return of vulcanised rubber, but can be processed on standard thermoplastic machinery without the need for cross-linking or curing. This means shorter cycle times, lower tooling costs, and the ability to regrind and reprocess production scrap.
TPU also delivers a combination of properties that are difficult to achieve with other soft polymers. Outstanding abrasion resistance, high tear strength, excellent load-bearing capacity, and strong resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents make it a preferred choice in applications ranging from hydraulic seals to cable sheathing and from industrial hoses to medical tubing. The choice of polyol chemistry (polyester, polyether, or polycaprolactone) allows the performance profile to be tailored to specific end-use requirements.
The Laripur Product Range
The Laripur family is organised by polyol type, with each chemistry bringing distinct advantages. Abbey Polymers can supply grades from across the range, with the following families forming the core of the UK offering.
Features and Benefits of Laripur TPU
- Outstanding Abrasion Resistance: Laripur TPU delivers some of the highest abrasion resistance values available in a thermoplastic elastomer, making it ideal for components subject to wear, friction, and repeated mechanical contact.
- Excellent Mechanical Properties: High tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break combine to give Laripur TPU exceptional toughness and load-bearing capacity across its full hardness range.
- Broad Hardness Range: From Shore A 50 to Shore D 75, the Laripur range covers everything from soft, flexible grades for seals and films through to rigid compounds for structural and load-bearing applications.
- Tailored Chemical Resistance: Polyester grades offer strong resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents. Polyether grades provide superior resistance to hydrolysis and microbial attack. The choice of chemistry allows the material to be matched to the specific chemical environment.
- Good Low-Temperature Performance: Selected polyether and polycaprolactone grades retain flexibility and impact resistance at temperatures well below zero, supporting use in cold-storage, outdoor, and winter-sport applications.
- Processing Versatility: Laripur grades are available for injection moulding, extrusion, and calendering, with many grades offered in both standard and extrusion-grade (EG) versions to suit different manufacturing processes.
- Recyclability: As a thermoplastic, Laripur TPU can be reground and reprocessed, reducing production waste and supporting more sustainable manufacturing.
- Laripur RS (Renewable Sources): COIM’s Laripur RS range offers polyester-based TPU produced from renewable raw materials, providing a more sustainable option without compromising on performance.
Typical Applications for Laripur TPU
The versatility of TPU means that Laripur compounds are used across a wide spread of industries and applications. Typical uses include:
- Seals and Gaskets: Hydraulic and pneumatic seals, O-rings, and gaskets where sustained pressure resistance, low compression set, and chemical compatibility are essential.
- Hoses and Tubing: Pneumatic hoses, hydraulic lines, medical tubing, and industrial ducting where flexibility, kink resistance, and abrasion performance are critical.
- Cable and Wire Sheathing: Jacketing and insulation for cables exposed to mechanical stress, moisture, UV, or chemical contact, including flame-retardant grades for fire-safety applications.
- Automotive: Interior trim, bellows, protective boots, air ducting, and under-bonnet components where oil resistance and thermal performance are required.
- Construction: Roofing membranes, profiles, and breathable films for moisture management in building envelopes.
- Medical and Healthcare: Biocompatible grades for medical tubing, device housings, straps, and wearable components.
- Industrial and Mechanical: Transmission belts, conveyor belts, wheels and castors, screen elements, and wear-resistant linings.
- Footwear and Sporting Goods: Soles, ski boots, watch straps, and protective equipment where comfort, energy return, and durability are required.
- Films and Sheets: Textile lamination, surface protection, breathable membranes, and food-contact packaging.
Common Laripur Grades
ESTER grades
Ether Grades
Grades designed for hydraulic seal applications
Find the Right Laripur Grade for Your Application
The Laripur range is extensive, with hundreds of grades available across multiple chemistries, hardness values, and processing methods. Abbey Polymers can help you navigate the options and identify the right TPU for your application. Contact us today to discuss your project, request samples, or arrange a technical consultation.