Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) injection molded polymers provide excellent mechanical properties. Poly Labs TPU Polymers offer high elasticity, abrasion and tear resistance. Likewise, they offer excellent overall durability. Additionally, Poly Labs offers two styles of thermoplastic polyurethane polymers: solid and expanded.
Solid TPU
Typically, TPU materials are used in footwear outsoles and outsole shells. These materials can be co-molded to expanded polyurethane. If expanded, this can create two-density outsoles. The typical properties of solid thermoplastic polyurethane are as follows:
| Density | 1.18 (+/- 0.03) g/cm³ |
| Hardness, Shore A | 65 (+/- 5) |
| Tensile Strength | > 2000 psi |
| Elongation | > 1000 % |
| Die C Tear Resistance | > 250 p/i |
| Taber Abrasion Resistance | < 20 mg (loss per 1,000 cycles) |
| Linear Shrinkage | 0.5 % |
Expanded TPU
Our second style of TPU Polymers is the expanded type. Expanded thermoplastic polyurethane is used in footwear outsoles or midsoles. It is also used in dual density outsoles. The typical properties of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane are as follows:
| Density | 0.8 (+/- 0.1) g/cm³ |
| Hardness, Shore A | 60 (+/- 5) |
| Tensile Strength | > 450 psi |
| Elongation | > 550 % |
| Die C Tear Resistance | > 100 p/i |
| Taber Abrasion Resistance | < 150 mg (loss per 1,000 cycles) |
| DIN Abrasion Resistance | < 120 mm |
| Ross Flex @ -20°F, (cycles – % cut growth) | 50,000 cycles – < 400 % cut growth |
| Ross Flex @ Room Temp., (cycles – % cut growth) | 100,000 cycles – < 100 % cut growth |
| Linear Shrinkage | 0.50 % |
Typical Thermoplastic Polyurethane Products
Thermoplastic polyurethane products can include over-molded metal or plastic inserts. Typically, we manufacture the following products made of TPU:
- Footwear (insoles, outsoles, midsoles)
- Static Dissipating Boot soles
- Anti-Slip Overshoe Accessories
- Industrial Products
- Toys for both children and pets
Poly Labs: Injection Molded Thermoplastics Experts
Poly Labs has decades of experience with TPU components across a myriad of industries, applications and markets. Our clients recognize thermoplastic polyurethane that comes out of our Lewiston, Maine, USA facility to be rugged, reliable and resilient.
We understand the exacting nature of manufacturing with injection molded thermoplastics. For the most demanding applications, we have specific material formulations. Our team will develop a polymer or polyurethane-based material, specifically customized to fit your requirements.
With the help from the Poly Labs team, you can expect an involved partner and resource for all things PU, TPU, TPE and TPR.
To learn more about our thermoplastic polyurethane products, or to discuss your specific requirement, please contact our sales team. We look forward to hearing from yo!