RE-FLEX Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a thermoplastic elastomer used to produce articles characterised by abrasion resistance, toughness, elasticity, flexibility and resistance to oils and greases. Lighter than metal, it is has greater abrasion resistance than rubber, bonds easily to surfaces & can also be used as a malleable engineering plastic or as a replacement for rubber or cast urethane.
TPU is a unique, durable and versatile performer. Proud TPU suppliers, RE-FLEX is Townsend Chemicals’ comprehensive, highly versatile range of TPU grades. These linear polyurethanes are available in a wide hardness range. There are 2 main types of TPUs available to accommodate the various applications and environmental performance criteria. One type is based on a polyester polyol and performs where resistance to oil and grease is required. The other type is based on a polyether polyol and is suited to applications where humidity levels are consistently high. Contact us today!
For more information on thermoplastic polyurethane, visit our blog post on the Benefits of Thermoplastic Polyurethane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
TPU or Thermoplastic Polyurethane is a thermoplastic elastomer (rubber-like material) used to produce items characterised by their toughness, flexibility, resistance to abrasion, wear, tear & oils.
What are the advantages of using Thermoplastic Polyurethane?
Transparent and lighter than metal, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes are incredibly versatile often used as a malleable engineering plastic or as a replacement for rubber or cast urethane. With high tensile strength and formidable abrasion, chip, tear, and impact resistance, our RE-FLEX TPU is one of the strongest and most durable elastomer products. Additional benefits like anti-static, flame retardant, chemical, fuel, oil, grease, and solvent resistance as well as hydrolysis stability only accentuate the utility and versatility of the range.
What are some common uses for Thermoplastic Polyurethane?
TPU's versatility means it can be processed in an incredible variety of ways including injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, vacuum forming, solution coating and compounding. This also extends to products and parts made with RE-FLEX. This versatility allows Thermoplastic Polyurethanes to have a diverse array of applications, most commonly:
- Automotive, mining, industrial wire and cable covering
- Swimming goggles and fins
- Inflatable rafts and pool toys
- Hosing and tubing for agricultural, automotive, mining, industrial and food industries
- Cattle ear tags
- TPU coated fabrics
- Components for the transport industry
- Irrigation and hydraulics hose and sealers
- Marine components
- Conveyor belts for the food, agriculture, industrial and mining industries
Polyester TPU
Provides excellent rebound and toughness. Compatible with PVC.
Polyether TPU
Offers low temperature flexibility and is ideal for wet environments.
Grade Range
There are over 20 grades available, many of which meet food contact standards. Ask us about our antistatic, food contact, flame retardant, and clear grades. RE-FLEX thermoplastic polyurethane grades can be recycled.
Features of RE-FLEX TPU
RE-FLEX TPU is highly versatile and can be easily processed by injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, vacuum forming, solution coating and compounding. Parts made from RE-FLEX can be welded, sterilised, printed, painted, laser marked, coloured, machined and die-cut.
- Abrasion, chip, tear, and impact resistant
- Chemical, fuel, oil, grease and solvent resistance
- Tensile strength, tough
- High elasticity and elongation
- Hydrolysis stability
- Low temperature flexibility
- Flame retardant
- Transparency
- Anti-static
- Food contact
Applications of RE-FLEX Thermoplastic Polyurethanes
Townsend's range of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes provide solutions for a wide range of manufacturing challenges and applications.
- Tactile ground surface indicators
- Automotive, mining, industrial wire and cable covering
- Conveyor rollers
- Temporary road markers
- Components for flexible road posts
- Pool cleaning components
- Swimming goggles and fins Inflatable rafts and pool toys
- Shoe components and soles
- Sporting goods
- TPU coated fabrics
- Cattle ear tags
- Mining screens
- Pneumatic hose
- Irrigation and hydraulics hose and sealers
- Hosing and tubing for agricultural, automotive, mining, industrial and food industries
- Components for the transport industry
- Wheels and castors
- Horse shoes
- Marine components