Soft Polymers: TPE & TPU
Abbey Polymers offers a comprehensive range of soft polymers, including thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), sourced from leading global partners such as Kraiburg TPE and COIM. These versatile materials combine the processing advantages of thermoplastics with the elastic properties of rubber, making them ideal for a wide range of applications across numerous industries. Soft polymers are valued for their flexibility, durability, and ability to be co-moulded with other materials, providing innovative solutions for both consumer and industrial products.
Features & Benefits of TPE & TPU Materials
- Flexibility and Elasticity: TPEs and TPUs offer exceptional flexibility, making them ideal for applications that require soft-touch surfaces or materials that can withstand repeated stretching and bending without deformation.
- Durability and Resistance: These materials are known for their excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and weathering, ensuring long-lasting performance in challenging environments.
- Processing Versatility: TPEs and TPUs can be processed through various manufacturing methods, including injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding. This versatility allows for the production of complex shapes and components tailored to specific applications.
- Co-Moulding Capability: These materials can be co-moulded or co-extruded with a variety of engineering and commodity plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyamides (PA), offering endless possibilities for innovative product designs.
- Sustainability: TPEs and TPUs are often recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional rubbers.
Typical Applications for TPE & TPU
TPEs and TPUs are used across a wide range of industries due to their adaptable properties. Common applications include:
- Automotive: Seals, gaskets, and interior components that require flexibility and durability.
- Medical: Medical tubing, seals, and drug delivery systems, where biocompatibility and sterilisation resistance are critical.
- Consumer Electronics: Soft-touch grips, wearables, and protective casings for handheld devices.
- Industrial: Cable sheathing, flexible hoses, and various mechanical components that must withstand harsh operating conditions.
- Packaging: Flexible seals and closures for food and beverage packaging that require both safety and performance.
Key Product Lines
THERMOLAST® K
THERMOLAST® K is a versatile range of TPE compounds developed to meet the evolving demands of modern industries. Based on hydrogenated styrene block copolymers (HSBC), these materials are used across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, consumer goods, and packaging. THERMOLAST® K compounds have been rigorously tested in industry-specific applications, ensuring reliable performance in both general-purpose and specialised uses, with food-grade options available for packaging and formulations tailored for the automotive industry.
THERMOLAST® K compounds are highly adaptable and can be processed through injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding. They also offer excellent co-moulding capabilities, bonding with engineering and commodity plastics such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyamides (PA). Known for their flexibility, these compounds provide exceptional thermal stability, UV resistance, and low-temperature elasticity, making them suitable for demanding environments.
THERMOLAST® M
THERMOLAST® M is a specialised TPE product line developed specifically for the medical sector, ensuring the highest safety and performance standards. These medical-grade compounds, based on hydrogenated styrene block copolymers (HSBC), are rigorously tested to meet key certifications, including ISO 10993-4, ISO 10993-5, ISO 10993-10, ISO 10993-11, and USP Class VI. Designed for use in medical devices and drug delivery systems, THERMOLAST® M ensures biocompatibility and safety, with no animal-based raw materials used in production.
THERMOLAST® M comes with a built-in change control system that guarantees continuity of supply for at least 24 months, with Drug Master Files (DMF) available. The formulation and manufacturing process are 100% fixed, ensuring long-term reliability. These compounds also offer outstanding mechanical properties, excellent resealing qualities, and compatibility with various sterilisation methods such as EtO gas, superheated steam, and gamma ray treatment. Available in translucent, transparent, and pre-coloured forms, THERMOLAST® M is a versatile and trusted choice for critical healthcare applications.
COPEC®
COPEC® is a proprietary TPE specifically developed for consumer electronics, particularly handheld devices and wearable technology. Known for its unique silky and velvety texture, COPEC® offers a soft-touch surface that is non-sticky, dirt-repellent, and highly durable. This advanced material provides excellent resistance to skin oils, detergents, and other contaminants, making it ideal for products that come into regular contact with the skin.
COPEC® stands out not only for its pleasant haptic experience but also for its superior performance in multi-component injection moulding. It delivers extraordinary adhesion to thermoplastic materials like polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and PC/PBT, making it a reliable solution for complex applications. With robust mechanical properties and processing versatility, COPEC® is perfectly suited for use in smartphones, wearables, and other high-touch electronics.
Key features of COPEC® include its high resistance to skin oils and detergents, a hardness range of 60 to 80 Shore A, low-temperature elasticity down to -40 °C, and thermostability up to 100 °C. Free from latex, PVC, phthalates, and heavy metals, COPEC® is also recyclable and available in various custom colours.
Contact us today to request a sample and discover how COPEC® can enhance your products with its advanced features and superior performance.
Typical Applications for TPE & TPU
TPEs and TPUs are used across a wide range of industries due to their adaptable properties. Common applications include:
- Automotive: Seals, gaskets, interior components, and exterior applications that require flexibility and durability.
- Medical: Medical tubing, seals, and drug delivery systems, where biocompatibility and sterilisation resistance are critical.
- Consumer Electronics: Soft-touch grips, wearables, and protective casings for handheld devices.
- Industrial: Cable sheathing, flexible hoses, and various mechanical components that must withstand harsh operating conditions.
- Packaging: Flexible seals and closures for food and beverage packaging that require both safety and performance.
Experience the Benefits of Soft Polymers Today
If you’re looking for advanced materials that combine flexibility, durability, and processing versatility, Abbey Polymers is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs, request samples, or learn more about how our TPE and TPU solutions can enhance your products.