Thermoplastic Elastomer Tubing & Profiles
Custom TPE Solutions for Industrial, Medical, and Automotive Applications
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are versatile materials used across a wide range of industries due to their unique properties. They combine the flexibility and softness of elastomers with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. These materials are low modulus and flexible and can be stretched to at least twice their original length while retaining their original form once the stress is released. This blend of rubber-like characteristics and recyclability makes TPEs highly sought after in industrial, medical, and automotive applications.
Industrial Uses of TPE
TPE tubing and profiles offer excellent chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties, making them ideal for industrial applications that require flexibility and durability. TPEs also have a tacky, rubbery feel, providing a good grip even when wet, which is crucial in many industrial environments.
Applications in the industrial sector include:
- Construction
- Electrical components
- Appliance manufacturing
- Home and garden products
- Electronics
Medical and Food & Beverage Uses
TPEs are preferred for medical devices and food processing equipment due to their inherent low toxicity and compliance with regulatory standards for food contact. They are used in pharmaceutical fluid transfer, medical tubing, and other critical applications where safety and flexibility are paramount.
Automotive Uses
In the automotive industry, TPEs provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to thermoset rubber, offering recyclability and lower production costs. Their ability to endure repeated stress without losing their shape makes them an excellent material for various automotive parts, including seals and tubing.
Benefits of TPEs Over Thermoset Rubber
- Design Flexibility: TPEs offer more versatility in product design compared to traditional rubbers.
- Lower Fabrication Costs: Scrap TPE can be recycled, reducing material waste and overall costs.
- Product Quality Control: The extrusion process allows for better control over product dimensions and consistency.
- Broader Range of Densities: TPEs are available in various durometers, providing flexibility in application-specific needs.
- Environmentally Friendly: Unlike thermoset rubbers, TPE scrap can be reprocessed, making TPEs a more sustainable choice.
Customization and Innovation at PBS Plastics
PBS Plastics specializes in custom tubing and profiles made from TPE for industrial, medical, and automotive industries. We work closely with our clients to develop solutions that meet their specific requirements, whether for flexible tubing, protective seals, or other extruded parts.
We invite you to contact PBS Plastics for more information about our thermoplastic elastomer capabilities and to discuss your project’s unique needs. With our expertise and dedication to quality, we deliver solutions that align with your design, regulatory, and functional demands.
GLOSSARY: Thermoplastic Elastomers are generally low-modulus, flexible materials that can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice their original length at room temperature with an ability to return to their approximate original length when stress is released.