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.
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
FROM CRAFT BREWERIES TO CALF FEEDERS – OUR MORE CURIOUS CUSTOMER CASES
Working for decades with seals and profiles makes you notice your surroundings in a different way. Anywhere you look, there are seals and profiles – visible or hidden inside a casing. Take a look at our most bizarre customer cases where we found solutions to not only sealing, but to feed baby cows and to get people moving their feet in a custom gaming platform!
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.
CAN TPE REPLACE EPDM?
While EPDM is a synthetic rubber, TPE combines the properties of thermoplastics with elastomers (like rubber). The two materials have very similar uses, but the recycling of them at the end of their life cycle is where they differ.
Read more about the differences of EPDM and TPE, and how TPE/TPV are already replacing EPDM in several uses cases.
How to get your custom profiles
V.A.V. Group has an excellent guide that walks you through every step of ordering custom seals and profiles. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you get exactly what you need with minimal hassle.
Whether you’re new to custom profiles or looking for a streamlined ordering process, this guide is a valuable resource. Click the link below to explore the guide and discover how easy it can be to get the perfect custom solution for your needs!
Material table
Silicone Profiles | TPE/TPV Profiles | Fire X | |
Material | |||
| Silicone | TPE/TPV | Self-extinguishing silicone | |
| Bio-TPE | TPV | ||
Hardness | |||
| Shore A 10-80 | 40 Shore A - 45 Shore D | Shore A 10-80 | |
Color | |||
| Basic colors | Basic colors | Basic colors | |
| RAL chart | RAL chart | Limited RAL | |
| Metallic colors | Metallic colors | ||
Operating temperature | |||
| -100 - +300 °C | -40 - +120 °C | < +270 °C | |
Diameter | |||
| 0-70 mm | 0-55 mm | 0-70 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 °C | Fire-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 cord | Stretch prevention cord | Stretch prevention cord | |
| Foaming | Foaming | ||
| 1-component or 2-component | 1-component or 2-component | ||
| Fire-retardant | |||
| FDA-compliant food grade silicone | |||
| Chemical durability |
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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.
