TPE and TPU are both formed by extrusion. TPE has better feel and flexibility than TPU and is cheaper than TPU. In terms of hardness, TPE can reach 0A-100A, while TPU can only reach a minimum of 55A. Although they are both thermoplastic elastomer plastics, TPU has a higher bending modulus than TPE.

TPU has good processing properties such as injection, extrusion, calendering, blow molding, and molding. It is used in the three major shoemaking projects of soles, uppers, and fitting, and is favored by the majority of shoemakers. As can be seen from the picture below, TPU covers almost the entire range of shoe manufacturing processes.

Thermoplastic elastomer is an environmentally friendly low-carbon composite material that possesses the characteristics of rubber (high elasticity, compression permanent deformation, etc.), as well as the processing characteristics of plastic (simple process). In most regions, the abbreviation TPE is commonly used to refer to thermoplastic elastomers. Another theory is that TPE is the general term for thermoplastic elastomers, TPU is thermoplastic polyurethane, TPV vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, and TPR is generally considered as shoe sole material in China.

In order to reduce the cost of products and obtain additional properties, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer can be used as a common toughening agent to toughen many kinds of thermoplastic plastics and modified rubber materials.

As an excellent elastomer, the downstream product of TPU is very broad, and it is widely used in the fields of daily necessities, sporting goods, toys, decorative materials, and so on.

Application: TPU Recycle Cutting System: Water strand pelletizing line