Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
KEP puts our product knowledge to work to identify the type of compound you need and manufacture it to your exacting specifications. Need a compound that is resistant to abrasion and ozone and also maintains a rubbery feel? For many customers, our Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) compound proves to be the best solution.
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TPU Manufactured to Exacting Specifications
To meet the manufacturing challenges of a wide range of industries and applications, thermoplastic polyurethane offers outstanding versatility and resistance. TPU’s are an excellent choice when high abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and clarity are needed for your application.
Tell our experts at KEP exactly what you need and we’ll get to work to manufacture a product to your exacting specifications! At KEP, we monitor all phases of production and check to ensure every product our customers receive is high-quality and consistent. Dimensions are controlled by in-line laser gauges and all products are made in the USA.
TPU Properties and Uses
TPUs are soft and processable when heated and hard when cooled, which allows for this compound to be manipulated for a variety of manufacturing purposes. Common manufacturing uses for TPU include extrusion or injection molding. Thermoplastic polyurethane is resistant to abrasion and to varying degrees, oil, grease, solvents, and chemicals. TPU also ranks among the best for load bearing capability which makes it a popular compound choice.
Available in a range of hardness grades, TPU’s chemical and physical properties, mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility make this compound a great choice for a wide range of industries, including medical applications. In addition to medical devices, this compound is also a popular material for sporting goods, tubing, wire, protective coatings and more.
K-3000 TPU Compound
KEP’s K-3000 TPU compound is a soft polyether type polyurethane that provides excellent clarity with a slightly yellow tint. Available in a natural finish along with other surface finishes, this compound has excellent colorability for a wide range of product colors.
K-3000’s high elasticity and flexibility, even while under extreme conditions, give this compound an operating temperature of -40 to 168° F (-40 to 75.5° C). This range is ideal for outdoor applications like sporting equipment and more. Our K-3000 compound also meets FDA food grade requirements.
Performance as Alternative Compound
Thermoplastic polyurethane serves as an alternative compound to rubber with similar properties and strength, including abrasion resistance, maintaining a soft rubbery feel, and strong resistance to ozone. TPU won’t lose structural integrity when reprocessed multiple times and is an ideal compound choice for a wide array of manufacturing needs which demand the qualities of both rubber and plastic.
Ask KEP about the best uses for thermoplastic polyurethane or have us create a prototype for the TPU product you have in mind – our experts at KEP ensure that products manufactured with our TPU compound best serve our customers and their industries’ demands. We’re only a phone call away – contact us today to get to work on your TPU product!
KEP Products
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Tubing
A trusted alternative for many latex and silicone tubing applications.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Tubing
For applications that require stability we produce PVC tubing to your exact specifications.
Latex Tubing
We’re the only manufacturer of natural rubber latex tubing in the U.S. – trusted for 60 plus years. Let’s work together to create the product you need.
Surgical Tubing
KEP delivers leadership, expertise, and innovation in surgical tubing. Our customer service is second to none and our manufacturing is certified lean.
Dip-Molded Parts
Choose us to manufacture your dip-molded parts and shorten your product-development cycles and minimize start-up costs.
Free-Band® Tourniquets
Concerned about latex sensitivity? We manufacture with a blend of materials available exclusively through KEP specifically chosen to provide physical properties that closely resemble latex.
Material Compounds
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
A soft and durable non-latex choice. Available in FDA, NSF and USP Class VI material compounds which makes it safe for a variety of industries.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Our PVC compounds are resistant and non-toxic. Choose from medical-grade options and a variety of custom compounds to fit your specific needs.
Natural Rubber Latex
Latex options to fit your exacting specifications and expertise our customers have trusted for 60 plus years.
Neoprene
These compounds feature excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to flames, oils, and more, making is a great choice for a variety of different uses.
Synthetic Polyisoprene
This product is made from a synthetic polymer and contains no allergenic latex proteins.
Santoprene™ (TPV)
Our NSF, FDA and Medical TPV compounds are versatile for use in numerous applications including food and beverage.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
This compound has excellent clarity and chemical resistance, making it a great choice for applications that require more durability.
Data Sheets
View our compound offerings and our technical specs.
TPU Data Sheets
Learn more about our TPU compound offerings and their technical specs.
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