At its simplest, new plastics can be formed by mixing and blending polymers as well as additives together. This can be done in a molten state. A polymer plastic company can produce specific applications for a wide variety of industries. Plastics of all kinds are now used extensively in the automotive industry. They are much needed for the protection of cables and wires. Polymer plastics are used with batteries. Because of the versatility of the material, there is now a widespread use in the footwear industry. In fact the products produced by a polymer plastic company are an indispensable feature in everyday life.
TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer): ISO 9001:2008
These can be thought of as thermoplastic rubber, or a mix of polymers, such as polymers and rubber. In this case, these are vinyl based TPE’s. They are also combined with TPO’s ( Thermoplastic Oelfin). This gives the final polymer the following characteristics. These are: good flame resistance, operates well at low temperatures, flexibility and good oil resistance. This would be a key product in a polymer plastic company.
Any new compound needs international recognition and verification. Therefore, a reputable company has to be registered and recognized by ISO 9001:2008. The “ISO” system then helps to guarantee that there has been extensive research and development in any new product.
A good plastics polymer company will have an extensive library outlining, in precise detail, the qualities of the polymers that are available. That is a tpe plastic physical properties table. All the variables, limits and characteristics of the available polymer compounding materials would be available online. A company with a specific need can use these tables as a starting point for further developments. Most additives or fillers can be applied as part of the process of producing a new polymer compound, to meet the specific needs of a customer.
TPO vs TPE
So what are the differences between TPO’s and TPE’s? Is it a case of tpo vs tpe plastic properties?
Looking specifically at an Oelfin. These could consist of part thermoplastic, such as polypropylene and polyurethane. Added to this there could be a filler such as carbon fiber, talc and fiberglass. There are a number of elastomers, rubber based materials such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPR). This is all blended together and processed at temperatures of between 210-230 C. The properties of TPO will depend upon what has been added to it.
It is used in roofing, as it is not effected by UV light. It is also found in the automotive industry. TPO can be thermo-formed, profile extruded and injection molded. One of its main draw backs is that it cannot be readily produced as a film at around 6 micrometers.
These are elastomers as explained already. They have both a viscosity and an elasticity. They can be thought of as a rubber based material and can come as either a thermosetting plastic or a thermopastic. They are used in molded flexible applications, such as shoes and in seals and adhesive.
The question is, what do you need these polymers for? Then decide which material to use and in what combinations.
TPE comes in the form of tpe plastic pellets. This makes it a versatile and easy material to process and use.