Thermoplastic (TPE) Tubing: A Guide | Kent Elastomer Products

THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER TUBING (TPE)

Kent Elastomer Products (KEP) is a trusted manufacturer of TPE tubing, with a proven record of excellence and experience across many industries. TPE material is a leading alternative to many latex and silicone tubing applications.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

From the gym to the doctor’s office, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) can be found in many everyday items and specialty products. Because TPE is easy to sterilize and offers excellent cleanliness properties, TPE tubing is a superior choice for the medical, food, and beverage industries. Additionally, TPE products are naturally latex-free and thus completely safe for individuals with latex allergies or sensitivities.

TPE mimics many of rubber’s most desirable properties, such as flexibility and a soft feel. But TPE is far more resistant to heat and chemical exposure than rubber, making it a more stable, durable material choice in certain applications. TPE material demonstrates excellent elasticity, flexibility, and elongation properties. Depending on the compound, TPE products can also offer good tensile strength and tear resistance. 

Kent Elastomer’s TPE tubing is available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and compounds to fit your specific needs. You can count on KEP to manufacture top-quality TPE tubing that meets your custom specifications. We also offer prototyping services for our TPE tubing so you can test the efficiency of a new product in context before committing to a large-scale manufacturing run.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Specifications

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Size

We can manufacture TPE tubing in a variety of sizes, from an inner diameter (I.D.) as small as 0.063” (1.6mm) to an outer diameter (O.D.) of one inch (25.4mm), and wall thickness. We also offer solid cord and multi-lumen tubing. KEP has ample experience producing highly customized multi-lumen TPE tubing and welcomes complex projects.

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Color

Our TPE tubing is available in a wide variety of color options, from natural tones to fluorescents. We use Pantone Color Systems for color matching and custom colors, so you can achieve the exact hue you want. We also offer translucent and water clear TPE tubing for applications where visibility is crucial, such as surgical or medical tubing

Compound

We offer FDA, NSF, and USP Class IV material compounds for medical, food, and beverage applications. Our TPE materials are available in compliance with a variety of biocompatibility and other regulations, including RoHS and REACH, and can be manufactured free of phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and di(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). See a full data sheet detailing the technical specifications of our TPE compounds.

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Crimping

Crimping is an excellent way to ensure safe delivery of a product stored inside a tube, especially for food and beverage suppliers. By completely crimping the dispensing end of the tube, we keep the tube—and the product inside—sealed until the precise moment of use. KEP offers crimping as part of our in-line tube-making process. 

Packaging

KEP offers on-site packaging and shipping services for TPE tubing. We can customize package design, dimensions, and bagging to meet your specifications. Additionally, we can create custom coils of TPE tubing or cut your tubing to the exact length you need.

Safety

Safety and compliance are nonnegotiable priorities for KEP. Our TPE compounds meet the stringent quality standards of the FDA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Class VI. We produce all of our FDA-approved, non-latex TPE materials at our extrusion facility in Mogadore, Ohio, which is SQF certified and included on the FDA’s Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) list. 

TPE FAQS

What is the minimum order?
  • $750.00 for prototypes up to 200 feet
  • $1,500.00 minimum orders for 201 ft. and above
Can I get a prototype order to see if this will work in my application prior to production?
We do offer a prototype run at a minimal charge.
What are the manufacturing capabilities for inside diameters and wall thicknesses?
Approximately .063” (1.6mm) – .750” (19.05mm) inside diameter (solid cord also available). Capabilities on wall thickness range from .010” (.254mm) to .250” (6.35mm) (depending on inside diameter).
Are cut lengths available?
Kent Elastomer can cut as small as .063″ (1.6mm) depending on tubing size.
Are continuous lengths available?
50′ (15.24m) to 100′ (30.48m) coils available (some sizes can be coiled in 500′ (152.4m) – 1000′ (304.8m)).
Can these compounds be sterilized?
All compounds offered are sterilizable by various methods.
Can any of these compounds be certified as Class VI, NSF or FDA approved?
Many of the TPE compounds offered are Class VI, NSF or FDA approved.
Are various durometers available?
Kent Elastomer offers a number of TPE compounds ranging from 28 to 85 Shore A.
What is the suggested compound for a latex alternative?
Our K4500 compound is the preferred compound for replacing latex.
Is color matching available?
Kent Elastomer offers extensive color matching capabilities including fluorescents.
What are our capabilities on profiles?
Our capabilities range from multi-lumen to various shapes. Please fax or e-mail a drawing for a quotation.
What is the product warranty policy?
Under proper storage conditions, the warranty period is one year from the date of shipment.

Talk with KEP

We're accessible any way you want.

PO Box 668
Kent, OH 44240

800.331.4762

sales@kentelastomer.com

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