Extrusion grade TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is designed for continuous extrusion processes used to manufacture hoses, tubes, wire and cable jackets, films, sheets, belts and profiles.

It combines rubber-like flexibility with excellent mechanical strength and thermoplastic processability, making it suitable for flexible products that require durability, wear resistance and long service life.

Key Properties of Extrusion Grade TPU

Extrusion TPU provides a balanced combination of flexibility, mechanical performance and stable processing.

Typical properties include:

  • Excellent abrasion resistance – suitable for products exposed to repeated friction and wear.
  • High tensile and tear strength – helps extruded products withstand stretching and mechanical stress.
  • Excellent elasticity and flexibility – provides good recovery after bending and deformation.
  • Good low-temperature flexibility – maintains flexibility under cold operating conditions.
  • Good oil and grease resistance – suitable for many demanding industrial environments.
  • Good toughness and impact resistance – helps protect extruded components during repeated use.
  • Stable extrusion performance – suitable for continuous production with consistent dimensions and surface quality.
  • Wide hardness range – allows material selection according to the flexibility and mechanical requirements of the finished product.

Typical Applications

TPU Hose and Tube

Extrusion grade TPU is widely used for pneumatic tubing, industrial hoses, flexible tubes and reinforced hoses.

Its combination of flexibility, abrasion resistance and mechanical strength makes TPU particularly suitable for tubing that experiences repeated bending, movement or surface wear.

TPU Wire and Cable

TPU is commonly used as a protective jacket for wires and cables.

Its toughness, flexibility and abrasion resistance make it suitable for industrial cables, robotic cables, charging cables and other cable systems exposed to repeated movement or demanding environments.

TPU Film and Sheet

Extrusion grade TPU can be processed into flexible films and sheets with excellent elasticity, toughness and durability.

Typical applications include protective films, textile lamination, flexible membranes and other technical film products.

TPU Belts and Profiles

TPU can also be extruded into belts, profiles and continuous industrial components.

Its high wear resistance and elasticity make it suitable for products that experience repeated movement, friction or mechanical stress.

Choosing the Right Extrusion Grade TPU

Different extrusion applications require different material characteristics.

When selecting an extrusion grade TPU, important factors include:

  • Required hardness
  • Melt flow and extrusion stability
  • Mechanical strength
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Flexibility and elastic recovery
  • Environmental resistance
  • Transparency or color requirements
  • Operating temperature
  • Product dimensions and wall thickness

For example, a thin flexible tube, a cable jacket and an industrial belt may all use TPU, but their requirements for hardness, melt strength, flexibility and mechanical properties can be very different.

The TPU grade should therefore be selected according to the finished product and actual processing requirements.

Processing Considerations

TPU is hygroscopic and should be properly dried before extrusion. Excessive moisture may cause bubbles, unstable extrusion, poor surface appearance or reduced mechanical performance.

Extrusion temperature, screw speed, die design and cooling conditions should also be adjusted according to the specific TPU grade and finished product.

Stable material drying and processing conditions are important for achieving consistent dimensions, smooth surfaces and reliable product performance.

Extrusion Grade TPU Material Solutions

Extrusion grade TPU is available in different hardness levels and performance options for hoses, tubes, wire and cable, films, sheets, belts and profiles.

Selecting the right TPU grade can help manufacturers achieve stable extrusion processing while providing the flexibility, durability and mechanical performance required by the final product.