TPU material - what is it and what is it used for?

Probably, no one today will be able to surprise such a phrase as TPU-material. What is it, though, does not everyone know. Where is it used? What features does it have? How to distinguish thermoplastic polyurethane from injection molding? Despite the external similarity, the operational parameters and consumer properties are completely different.

TPU material - what is it?

So, more. TPU material - what is it? What signs are inherent in it? Actually, it's not difficult to distinguish it. First of all, the material has a small permanent deformation, allowing the use of products made of it, as seals. Secondly, TPU can be recycled, which saves on raw materials. Thirdly, there are no catalysts in the material. Fourthly, it has a long service life. In addition, the material is resistant to abrasion, the action of microorganisms and hydrolysis.

In principle, these qualities are inherent in polyurethanes obtained by the traditional method. However, only the TPU is capable of processing on equipment designed for the manufacture of ordinary plastics - machines, lines and devices called injection molding machines.

When did it all start?

And now a little history. When did the TPU material appear? What are the reasons that influenced his appearance? Everything began, according to historians, back in 1865. The company, engaged in the production of billiard balls, made an unusual announcement. Ten thousand US dollars were promised to someone who would find the material replacing ivory. In 1869, John Hayat decided to use nitrocellulose. He managed to achieve excellent quality and properties, after which he decided to found his own company. From this moment, the rapid development of injection molding machines and materials on which they are made began. To date, this industry has achieved incredible heights.

TPU Production

What is the manufacturing process? TPU material - what is it in production? Let's start with the raw materials. For the production of TPU, pellets obtained from previously reacted polyurethane components are necessary. Of course, initially they had properties that allowed to synthesize the material. These granules are filled into the bunker of the thermoplastic automatic machine. Further by means of a screw they are fed into the heating zone. After that, the plastic mass can be injected into the mold under pressure (in the manufacture of complex parts) or extruded, that is, extruded through the die-hole of a particular configuration (for making simple parts such as bars, strips, sheets).

Benefits

In short, the combination of the chemical characteristics of the TPU together with the methods of processing them makes it possible to obtain materials that have simply excellent physical parameters. One of the main, for example, is high heat resistance. For most products made from TPU, the softening start temperature is 120-140 degrees Celsius. In this case, the cooled material completely restores all its parameters. While ordinary polyurethanes are not recoverable after such a temperature.

Above we have already mentioned the possibility of recycling the material. Unsuitable parts are crushed and sent there.

A considerable advantage is the high wear resistance. Thus, the product can serve as an excellent protection. The material is also resistant to ultraviolet radiation. In general, all these pluses allow you to get great products that have remarkable qualities. Made of this material, for example, covers for Samsung, Nokia and other phones. These products are very popular today. However, whatever product you choose, you will certainly be satisfied.