TPE/TPV

Profiles with the advantages of both rubber and plastic materials

Profiles with the advantages of both rubber and plastic materials

TPE, thermoplastic elastomer

Thermoplastic elastomer or TPE is a fully recyclable material with properties similar to rubber. TPE can cope with different weather conditions from freezing cold (-50 °C) to medium heat (+120 °C). TPE can be manufactured in various colours.

TPE is recyclable and is therefore replacing rubber profiles as well as PVC. TPE gives a much smoother surface appearance, a faster extrusion process, and takes up less space compared to rubber extrusion processes. Its production process is also more energy-efficient. It is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly option. TPE profiles can be produced in higher hardnesses than silicone profiles and they are also more affordable than silicone. TPE’s operating temperatures are however more limited than those of silicone, which makes it less fitting for extreme conditions.

TPV, thermoplastic vulcanizates

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) are part of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) family of polymers, but are closest in elastomeric properties to EPDM thermoset rubber, combining the characteristics of vulcanized rubber with the processing properties of thermoplastics.

TPV material has been tested accordingly for EN45545-2 R22/23 HL2.

V.A.V. Group work in the factory

Properties of TPE/TPV

Excellent chemical resistance

Operating temperature -40 °C – +120 °C

TPE hardness 40 ShA–45 ShD, TPV 50-90ShA

Several colour options

V.A.V. GROUP FINDS SOLUTIONS TO
VARIOUS PROFILE NEEDS

In our collaboration with Honkarakenne, we had to consider many factors to provide the best possible profiles for log house construction. Read more about our collaboration.

Further information about TPE/TPV

TPE can be modified into special FDA-approved materials for the food industry, and self-extinguishing grades also exist (UL-94 V0), TPV (EN45545-2 R22/23 HL2).

TPE/TPV is a material that is well-suited for multi-component seals. The material makes it possible to manufacture products that combine soft and hard grades. The latest products include combinations of foam and hard TPE/TPV.

TPE profiles are used in construction industries as well as in other industrial applications according to the customer’s required specifications. It is a common material used for example to protect and support balcony glasses and windows. TPE comes in a wide range of colours. 

Bio-TPE

Our selection also includes Bio-TPE, in which 65 % of fossil materials have been replaced with bio-based oils, making it an ecological alternative for TPE. Like TPE, Bio-TPE is a fully recyclable material, with the same features as TPE. 

Like regular TPE, Bio-TPE is a fully recyclable, non-toxic material and it has the same excellent chemical resistances, and hardness of 50-90 ShA, in a full RAL colour scale.

Material table

Silicone Profiles

TPE/TPV Profiles

Fire X

Material

SiliconeTPE/TPVSelf-extinguishing silicone
Bio-TPETPV

Hardness

Shore A 10-8040 Shore A - 45 Shore DShore A 10-80

Color

Basic colorsBasic colorsBasic colors
RAL chartRAL chartLimited RAL
Metallic colorsMetallic colors

Operating temperature

-100 - +300 °C-40 - +120 °C< +270 °C

Diameter

0-70 mm0-55 mm0-70 mm (Silicone)
0-55 mm (TPE/TPV)

Certificates

EN45545-2:2020 requirements R22 & R23 for HL3
IMO FTPC Part 2 & 5 (Silicone)
UL 94 V Classification V0

Special properties

Heat-resistant silicone: up to +300 °C during short-term stress (7 days)High thermal resistance
Cold-resistant silicone: up to -100 °CFire-retardant
Fluorosilicone: resistant to various oils, solvents and other chemicals during sustained contact
Electrically conductive silicone: ESD and EMI applications and low voltage switch and sensor applications
Platinum vulcanized silicone

Optional properties

Stretch prevention cordStretch prevention cordStretch prevention cord
FoamingFoaming
1-component or 2-component1-component or 2-component
Fire-retardant
FDA-compliant food grade silicone
Chemical durability

News

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DON'T HESITATE TO ASK US

New projects and environments bring new challenges and requirements, from environmental hazards to special soundproofing. Always do your research, but don’t hesitate to ask us for help. Our flexibility gives us the advantage to innovate and experiment with various further processing methods.