TPU

TPU is an abrasion-resistant thermoplastic elastomer.

TPU stock — view 04
  • Anker SOLIX
  • eufy
  • soundcore
  • PLAUD
  • xTool
  • Ulike
  • Jackery
  • Roborock
  • DREAME
  • EcoFlow
  • Insta360
  • TCL
  • Beatbot
  • CASETiFY
  • Creality
  • Shokz
  • SEGWAY
  • realme

Specify the feel and wear requirement of the actual part

For a TPU component, explain the required flexibility, contact conditions and assembly features to Aria. We help you discuss the grade and manufacturing route against that use. A hard Shore D reference grade is not a substitute for a soft Shore A material, so confirm the hardness system and formulation in the quotation.

Material photos

TPU stock — view 01

TPU stock — view 01

TPU stock — view 02

TPU stock — view 02

TPU stock — view 03

TPU stock — view 03

TPU stock — view 05

TPU stock — view 05

Material options

PropertyDetails
ColorsNatural translucent yellow / milky white, Black, Custom colors
Special propertiesHydrolysis-resistant, flame-retardant, UV/anti-yellowing, antistatic and approved food/medical grades depend on formulation.

Detailed values describe BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020). Family ranges are broader selection references and may include different grades or reinforcement levels. Confirm the selected grade, condition and test method for your part.

Material properties

PropertyMetricImperialTest method / conditions
Density1.18 g/cm³0.0426 lb/in³ASTM D792 · 23°C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Shore hardness64D (Shore D)64D (Shore D)ASTM D2240 · 3s · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Tensile Strength49 MPa7,100 psiASTM D412 · 23°C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Tensile Stress at 100%33 MPa4,800 psiASTM D412 · 23°C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Ultimate Elongation390 %390 %ASTM D412 · 23°C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
E-Modulus296 MPa43,000 psiASTM D412 · 23°C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Flexural Modulus255 MPa37,000 psiASTM D790 · 23°C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Tear Strength245 kN/m1,400 lb/inASTM D624 · Die C · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Vicat softening temperature128 °C262 °FASTM D1525 · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Glass Transition Temp.13 °C55 °FDMA · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)
Taber Abrasion55 mg loss55 mg lossASTM D4060 · Reference: BASF Elastollan 1164D, polyether TPU, Shore 64D (July 2020)

Material family ranges — selection reference

PropertyFamily reference
Material classElastomer
Density (g/cm³)1.10–1.25
Tensile strength (MPa)25–55
Elongation at break (%)300–500
Elastic modulus (GPa)0.02–0.3
HardnessShore D50–75
Temperature reference (°C)Vicat ~120

Compatible manufacturing processes

Selection requirements

CNC Milling Services · Precision CNC machining · CNC turning

Injection molding after drying, with a supplied moisture reference below 0.03%; specialized CNC processing of soft stock; FDM with suitable flexible filament. Polyether grades favor hydrolysis resistance; polyester grades can favor oil and wear performance. Confirm the environment and keep hard Shore D values separate from soft Shore A materials.

Injection molding

Injection molding: Injection molding after drying, with a supplied moisture reference below 0.03%; specialized CNC processing of soft stock; FDM with suitable flexible filament. Polyether grades favor hydrolysis resistance; polyester grades can favor oil and wear performance. Confirm the environment and keep hard Shore D values separate from soft Shore A materials. Single-material injection molding, Insert location and retention, Multi-shot / two-shot (2K) molding: Use an injection-molding grade. Fillers, shrinkage and processing temperatures affect tool and part design. Elastomer over plastic, Plastic over plastic: Substrate and overmold are a grade-specific pair. These materials are candidates, not an all-to-all bonding guarantee; qualify adhesion and mechanical retention. Elastomer over metal, Plastic over metal: Metal is the insert or substrate; polymer is the molded layer. Review grade pairing, surface preparation, thermal movement and retention.

3D printing

3D printing: Injection molding after drying, with a supplied moisture reference below 0.03%; specialized CNC processing of soft stock; FDM with suitable flexible filament. Polyether grades favor hydrolysis resistance; polyester grades can favor oil and wear performance. Confirm the environment and keep hard Shore D values separate from soft Shore A materials. FDM printing: Use a filament grade compatible with the printer and the intended loading direction; coating adhesion requires preparation.

Insert molding

Use an injection-molding grade. Fillers, shrinkage and processing temperatures affect tool and part design.

Overmolding

Multi-shot / two-shot (2K) molding: Use an injection-molding grade. Fillers, shrinkage and processing temperatures affect tool and part design. Elastomer over plastic, Plastic over plastic: Substrate and overmold are a grade-specific pair. These materials are candidates, not an all-to-all bonding guarantee; qualify adhesion and mechanical retention. Elastomer over metal, Plastic over metal: Metal is the insert or substrate; polymer is the molded layer. Review grade pairing, surface preparation, thermal movement and retention.

Advantages and considerations

Temperature exposure

Advantages

Good tear and impact resistance, toughness, oil/grease resistance and low-temperature flexibility. Hard Shore D grades provide more stiffness while retaining elasticity.

Temperature exposure

Material limitations

Moderate heat resistance, moisture sensitivity during processing and poor resistance to strong acids or alkalis. It is not a substitute for a rigid precision structural plastic.

How Aria supports your project

MadeAria operator carrying out in-process quality control
Load · temperature · environment

Help choosing a material

Compare materials for the loads, temperature and environment your part will face.

Geometry · access · material

Design feedback before production

We review tool access, geometry and material choice before manufacturing.

Drawing → dimensional checks

Inspection to your drawing

Dimensional checks and inspection reports for the critical features on your drawing.

Compatible surface finishes

Selection requirements

Painting

Polyether grades favor hydrolysis resistance; polyester grades can favor oil and wear performance. Confirm the environment and keep hard Shore D values separate from soft Shore A materials. Printing or painting with dedicated primers, compatible bonding, and qualified high-frequency or ultrasonic welding.

Glossy · Semi-glossy · Matt · Textured

Mold-transferred appearance depends on the resin and tool surface; gloss and texture do not specify a material-independent roughness.

Applications

Typical applications

Wheels, rollers, seals, wear bushings, hoses, cable jackets, shoe soles, connector covers, guards and drive belts.

Design considerations

Processing options

Injection molding after drying, with a supplied moisture reference below 0.03%; specialized CNC processing of soft stock; FDM with suitable flexible filament.

Finishing options

Printing or painting with dedicated primers, compatible bonding, and qualified high-frequency or ultrasonic welding.

Grade and finish combinations

Polyether grades favor hydrolysis resistance; polyester grades can favor oil and wear performance. Confirm the environment and keep hard Shore D values separate from soft Shore A materials.

Color and grade options

Natural slightly yellow transparent to milky white. Black and custom colors.

Specify hardness together with the grade

TPU spans soft elastomeric Shore A grades and harder Shore D grades. BASF’s Elastollan material-properties guide illustrates a range from 60 Shore A to 74 Shore D; individual series may extend beyond that range. The 64 Shore D representative grade on this page is one selection, not the hardness of all TPU. State the scale, test conditions and grade; Shore A and Shore D numbers are not interchangeable.

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