How to identify the right TPU granule for your production? Laboratory tests and shore specifications
22/11/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers
Identifying the right TPU thermoplastic polyurethane granule for your production process is a key aspect in ensuring the quality and performance of your finished products.
Choosing the right polyurethane polymer involves a number of factors, including shore specifications, laboratory tests and specific production requirements.
TPU is a versatile material used in different productions due to its renowned characteristics of elasticity, abrasion resistance and durability.
In today's article, we will delve into suggested practices for identifying the right TPU granule for your production needs.
Defining product requirements and specific production needs
A company's specific production requirements are the first variable to take into account when defining the material to be processed (regardless of whether it is TPU granule or another polymer).
One of the first questions Gianeco, a producer of recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules, asks potential customers is what type of application the polymer is intended for.
Indeed, it is the application that determines some of the characteristics of TPU granules.
For example, if you are manufacturing footwear, gaskets, automotive components or medical products, you will have different requirements for wear resistance, flexibility, stiffness, chemical resistance, etc.
The scope of application must be specified so that the necessary physical and mechanical properties are clearly identified, such as, for example, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, stiffness, elasticity, temperature of use, etc.
Once these properties have been identified, one enters the heart of the production process. The TPU granule must be able to meet the requirements of the production process used. Most TPU granules are capable of satisfying a variety of production processes, but it is always best to check with the supplier.
Relevant information such as details of the machine used, melt temperatures, extrusion or moulding methods, cycle times, and other relevant parameters should be gathered at this stage.
The processing machinery must therefore be examined at this stage.
Processing machinery: the TPU granule must be easy to process with the processing machinery used. Most recycled TPU granules are easy to process with the same machinery used for virgin TPU granules.
Processing temperatures: these vary depending on the type of TPU and the process used. Extrusion temperatures for TPU usually lie between 180°C and 230°C. Injection moulding temperatures for TPU can vary between 190°C and 230°C. For 3D printing with TPU, the print bed temperature is often between 40°C and 60°C.
Processing temperatures for recycled TPUs can be slightly lower than for virgin TPUs. This is due to the fact that recycled TPUs may contain impurities that can lower the melting point.
There are two other aspects to consider and share with your suppliers:
1. Production volume;
2. Purchase costs.
If you decide to opt for sustainable production that also uses recycled material, you will have to investigate with your supplier whether enough material is available to guarantee the continuity of the manufacturing process.
Recycled TPU comes from production waste, therefore, it is a good idea to rely on manufacturers who are able to make a correct estimate of the quantities of waste available to be regranulated.
One of the advantages of using recycled TPU granules is also in the purchase costs, which are generally cheaper than virgin material.
The procedure for identifying the right TPU granule
Once our production process is clear, we must proceed with the search for the right material for our production line.
The procedure for identifying the right TPU granule can be divided into three steps:
Requirements definition: the first step is to define the requirements for the TPU granule. These requirements should include Shore specifications, laboratory test results and specific production requirements.
Product search: the second step is to search for products that meet the defined requirements. This can be done by contacting TPU suppliers or searching online.
Testing: the third phase consists of testing the selected products to determine whether they meet the requirements. These tests can be carried out in the laboratory or in the field.
Consultation of reliable manufacturers specialising in thermoplastic materials
The production material supplier is one of the key stakeholders for the success of your company. When deciding to set up a production line, a certain number of suppliers with specific characteristics must be available.
When choosing suppliers, production requirements must also be taken into account. Factors to consider include material availability, delivery time, supply conditions and support service.
It is important to work with experienced suppliers with a good reputation for the quality of their materials.
But how to recognise a reliable TPU material supplier? One of the aspects to consider is the willingness to provide an initial sample to allow testing of its quality and performance.
In addition, a reliable supplier must be a product expert. TPU experts have extensive knowledge of the material's properties and performance. They can help you understand which factors are important to consider for your specific application.
Consulting an expert in the field of thermoplastics such as TPU is a highly recommended practice when trying to identify the right granule for your production.
Recycled TPU manufacturers such as Gianeco offer a consultancy service and the possibility of testing a sample before confirming the order to guarantee mutual satisfaction.
The material procurement manager must carefully analyse the technical specifications provided by the TPU granule manufacturer. These specifications should include information such as melting temperature, density, dimensional stability, tensile strength, shore hardness, etc.
Performing laboratory tests
Laboratory tests can be used to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the TPU granule sample. These tests can help you identify the right granule for a specific application and check whether the specifications of the TPU granule match the requirements of your production process.
Some of the most common laboratory tests for TPU include:
Tensile strength: measures the force required to tear a sample of material.
Compressive strength: measures the force required to crush a sample of material.
Abrasion resistance: measures the material's ability to resist wear and tear.
Elongation at break: measures the amount of stretching a material can withstand before breaking.
Hardness (Shore): measures the resistance of a material to penetration by an indenter. In the case of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPE), such as TPU, shore hardness can be measured using the Shore A or Shore D scale.
Chemical resistance: check the TPU's resistance to specific chemicals if your application requires it.
Lab test results will help you assess which type of TPU best suits your needs.
Why are Shore specifications so important?
The Shore hardness in TPUs is a key parameter that influences the mechanical properties and suitability of the material for specific applications. The choice between Shore A and Shore D depends on the combination of flexibility and stiffness required to meet the needs of the specific application.
Shore A: measures the hardness of softer materials, such as rubbers and elastomeric materials. Shore A values range from soft (low numbers) to hard (high numbers). For example, a Shore A of 70 is harder than a Shore A of 50.They are often used in applications requiring flexibility and resilience, such as gaskets, hoses, and insoles for sports shoes.
Shore D: Applies to harder materials, such as rigid plastics and more compact rubbers. Again, higher values indicate greater hardness. TPUs with a Shore D hardness are stiffer.
They are used in applications requiring greater strength and rigidity, such as structural components in footwear, industrial parts or technical components in sports equipment.
Building a fruitful dialogue with the supplier
After evaluating the test results and Shore specifications, discuss with the supplier to ensure you get the TPU with the desired characteristics.
Test samples and production tests: a strategic step in identifying the right material
Before committing to large-scale production, conduct pilot production tests or test samples to confirm that the selected TPU granule works well for your application.
These tests can help you assess whether the material performs as expected in your production process. Monitor the quality of the finished product and assess whether the TPU granule meets your expectations.
Evaluate the results of production tests to determine whether the TPU granule is compatible with your process. Check whether the material melts correctly, flows well in the machine and produces products that meet the required specifications.
If the tests reveal compatibility problems, you may have to make changes to your production process or look for TPU granule alternatives that better suit your needs.
Maintain an ongoing assessment of compatibility during scale production, monitoring the performance of the TPU granule and making changes or adjustments if necessary.
Remember that selecting the right TPU depends on the specific requirements of your production, so it is important to carefully consider all variables before making a decision.
Gianeco, reliable supplier of customised TPU granules and compounds
You can consult the dedicated page or contact the product manager.
How to identify the right TPU granule for your production? Laboratory tests and shore specifications
22/11/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers
Identifying the right TPU thermoplastic polyurethane granule for your production process is a key aspect in ensuring the quality and performance of your finished products.
Choosing the right polyurethane polymer involves a number of factors, including shore specifications, laboratory tests and specific production requirements.
TPU is a versatile material used in different productions due to its renowned characteristics of elasticity, abrasion resistance and durability.
In today's article, we will delve into suggested practices for identifying the right TPU granule for your production needs.
Defining product requirements and specific production needs
A company's specific production requirements are the first variable to take into account when defining the material to be processed (regardless of whether it is TPU granule or another polymer).
One of the first questions Gianeco, a producer of recycled thermoplastic elastomer granules, asks potential customers is what type of application the polymer is intended for.
Indeed, it is the application that determines some of the characteristics of TPU granules.
For example, if you are manufacturing footwear, gaskets, automotive components or medical products, you will have different requirements for wear resistance, flexibility, stiffness, chemical resistance, etc.
The scope of application must be specified so that the necessary physical and mechanical properties are clearly identified, such as, for example, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, stiffness, elasticity, temperature of use, etc.
Once these properties have been identified, one enters the heart of the production process. The TPU granule must be able to meet the requirements of the production process used. Most TPU granules are capable of satisfying a variety of production processes, but it is always best to check with the supplier.
Relevant information such as details of the machine used, melt temperatures, extrusion or moulding methods, cycle times, and other relevant parameters should be gathered at this stage.
The processing machinery must therefore be examined at this stage.
Processing machinery: the TPU granule must be easy to process with the processing machinery used. Most recycled TPU granules are easy to process with the same machinery used for virgin TPU granules.
Processing temperatures: these vary depending on the type of TPU and the process used. Extrusion temperatures for TPU usually lie between 180°C and 230°C. Injection moulding temperatures for TPU can vary between 190°C and 230°C. For 3D printing with TPU, the print bed temperature is often between 40°C and 60°C.
Processing temperatures for recycled TPUs can be slightly lower than for virgin TPUs. This is due to the fact that recycled TPUs may contain impurities that can lower the melting point.
There are two other aspects to consider and share with your suppliers:
1. Production volume;
2. Purchase costs.
If you decide to opt for sustainable production that also uses recycled material, you will have to investigate with your supplier whether enough material is available to guarantee the continuity of the manufacturing process.
Recycled TPU comes from production waste, therefore, it is a good idea to rely on manufacturers who are able to make a correct estimate of the quantities of waste available to be regranulated.
One of the advantages of using recycled TPU granules is also in the purchase costs, which are generally cheaper than virgin material.
The procedure for identifying the right TPU granule
Once our production process is clear, we must proceed with the search for the right material for our production line.
The procedure for identifying the right TPU granule can be divided into three steps:
Requirements definition: the first step is to define the requirements for the TPU granule. These requirements should include Shore specifications, laboratory test results and specific production requirements.
Product search: the second step is to search for products that meet the defined requirements. This can be done by contacting TPU suppliers or searching online.
Testing: the third phase consists of testing the selected products to determine whether they meet the requirements. These tests can be carried out in the laboratory or in the field.
Consultation of reliable manufacturers specialising in thermoplastic materials
The production material supplier is one of the key stakeholders for the success of your company. When deciding to set up a production line, a certain number of suppliers with specific characteristics must be available.
When choosing suppliers, production requirements must also be taken into account. Factors to consider include material availability, delivery time, supply conditions and support service.
It is important to work with experienced suppliers with a good reputation for the quality of their materials.
But how to recognise a reliable TPU material supplier? One of the aspects to consider is the willingness to provide an initial sample to allow testing of its quality and performance.
In addition, a reliable supplier must be a product expert. TPU experts have extensive knowledge of the material's properties and performance. They can help you understand which factors are important to consider for your specific application.
Consulting an expert in the field of thermoplastics such as TPU is a highly recommended practice when trying to identify the right granule for your production.
Recycled TPU manufacturers such as Gianeco offer a consultancy service and the possibility of testing a sample before confirming the order to guarantee mutual satisfaction.
The material procurement manager must carefully analyse the technical specifications provided by the TPU granule manufacturer. These specifications should include information such as melting temperature, density, dimensional stability, tensile strength, shore hardness, etc.
Performing laboratory tests
Laboratory tests can be used to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the TPU granule sample. These tests can help you identify the right granule for a specific application and check whether the specifications of the TPU granule match the requirements of your production process.
Some of the most common laboratory tests for TPU include:
Tensile strength: measures the force required to tear a sample of material.
Compressive strength: measures the force required to crush a sample of material.
Abrasion resistance: measures the material's ability to resist wear and tear.
Elongation at break: measures the amount of stretching a material can withstand before breaking.
Hardness (Shore): measures the resistance of a material to penetration by an indenter. In the case of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPE), such as TPU, shore hardness can be measured using the Shore A or Shore D scale.
Chemical resistance: check the TPU's resistance to specific chemicals if your application requires it.
Lab test results will help you assess which type of TPU best suits your needs.
Why are Shore specifications so important?
The Shore hardness in TPUs is a key parameter that influences the mechanical properties and suitability of the material for specific applications. The choice between Shore A and Shore D depends on the combination of flexibility and stiffness required to meet the needs of the specific application.
Shore A: measures the hardness of softer materials, such as rubbers and elastomeric materials. Shore A values range from soft (low numbers) to hard (high numbers). For example, a Shore A of 70 is harder than a Shore A of 50.They are often used in applications requiring flexibility and resilience, such as gaskets, hoses, and insoles for sports shoes.
Shore D: Applies to harder materials, such as rigid plastics and more compact rubbers. Again, higher values indicate greater hardness. TPUs with a Shore D hardness are stiffer.
They are used in applications requiring greater strength and rigidity, such as structural components in footwear, industrial parts or technical components in sports equipment.
Building a fruitful dialogue with the supplier
After evaluating the test results and Shore specifications, discuss with the supplier to ensure you get the TPU with the desired characteristics.
Test samples and production tests: a strategic step in identifying the right material
Before committing to large-scale production, conduct pilot production tests or test samples to confirm that the selected TPU granule works well for your application.
These tests can help you assess whether the material performs as expected in your production process. Monitor the quality of the finished product and assess whether the TPU granule meets your expectations.
Evaluate the results of production tests to determine whether the TPU granule is compatible with your process. Check whether the material melts correctly, flows well in the machine and produces products that meet the required specifications.
If the tests reveal compatibility problems, you may have to make changes to your production process or look for TPU granule alternatives that better suit your needs.
Maintain an ongoing assessment of compatibility during scale production, monitoring the performance of the TPU granule and making changes or adjustments if necessary.
Remember that selecting the right TPU depends on the specific requirements of your production, so it is important to carefully consider all variables before making a decision.
Gianeco, reliable supplier of customised TPU granules and compounds
You can consult the dedicated page or contact the product manager.
