TPE vs PVC

Looking for a versatile and cost-effective alternative for natural rubber latex, silicone, or another compound? Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) could be well-suited for your specific product.

Both TPE and PVC are nonallergenic alternatives to natural rubber latex and offer easy sterilization. With great abrasion resistance, flexibility, and stability, these compounds are ideal for a wide range of applications.

Learn more about the differences between these material classes, the properties of the compounds available in each class, and their common uses to determine which is a better fit for the demands of your industry or application.

KEP Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Can offer more stiffness than rubber
• Excellent clarity
• Most compounds FDA Food Grade compliant
• Most compounds USP Class IV compliant
• All compounds BPA free
• Some compounds DEHP and phthalate free

Learn more about the physical properties and performance of PVC.

PVC Applications

Another nonallergenic alternative to natural rubber latex, common uses of PVC tubing include many of the same tubing applications as TPE, like beverage transfer and dairy processing. However, PVC is not compatible for fatty food use and hot liquid use like TPE. With outstanding clarity, flexible PVC tubing is a good choice for medical applications that rely on easy viewing of water and fluid lines. Flexible PVC tubing is also ideal for laboratory and research applications, among others. 

KEP Tubing Solutions

Does TPE or PVC sound like it could work great for your product? Whether you want to re-engineer a product to reduce cost or modify performance, or you have a prototype for a completely new product you want to manufacture, KEP is ready to take on your challenge. Our experts at KEP will help you choose the right compound and work with you to ensure the process from start to finish is hassle-free. Contact us today to get started!