Selecting the Appropriate TPE Hardness for Your Application
Time of issue:2024-10-23
Selecting the Appropriate TPE Hardness for Your Application:
The choice of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) hardness largely depends on the product you intend to manufacture. Generally, the hardness range of TPE spans from OA to 100, and the hardness is adjusted according to the product's requirements to minimize the difference between the material's hardness and the product's needs. Below, we introduce the commonly used TPE hardness ranges and standards.
Remember: TPE hardness is measured in Shore A and Shore D scales. Hardness is defined as the material's resistance to indentation under static load. It is also related to other important physical properties such as tensile modulus and flexural modulus. Here are the specific hardness ranges for TPE:
- TPE (TPR) hardness range: 0~100A. Soft materials are typically 0~20A, with commonly used hardness ranging from 30~80A. Higher hardness levels can reach 90~120A.
- TPU hardness range: Usually 70A~98A, although some manufacturers can achieve 60A, but at a higher cost.
- TPEE hardness range: 28D~80D.
- TPO hardness range: Approximately 40~100A.
- TPV hardness range: 50~100A.
How Should We Choose the Hardness of TPE? Examples of Commonly Used Products:
- For children's toothbrushes, softer materials are preferred. We recommend selecting TPE hardness in the range of 0-20A.
- Bicycle grips, pen caps, golf club grips, and sports equipment handles require slightly higher hardness. We suggest choosing TPE hardness in the range of 30-80A.
- For screwdrivers that require more force and for metal-wrapped applications like stainless steel wrapping, we recommend a hardness around 80A.
Gender Consideration Factors: Men generally exert more force than women, and adults exert more force than children, so the chosen TPE hardness should reflect these differences. Thus, for products targeting different age groups, the hardness selection should be: Children < Women < Men.
Regarding the hardness range of TPE materials, the hardness of TPE overmolding (TPE overmolding, TPR overmolding) varies depending on the substrate material and the required physical properties. When overmolding on PP (TPE over PP, TPE over polypropylene, TPR over PP), the hardness of TPE and TPR is typically around 30-60A. For overmolding on polycarbonate (over PC), nylon (over PA6), and ABS, the hardness is generally higher, depending on the application.
TEL: +86-0752-6768128 FAX: +86-0752-6768088 MAIL: sales@tpe-sp.com WEB: en.tpe-sp.com
ADD: Huangxi Industrial Park, Shiwan Town, Boluo County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province，China