If you are comparing TPE, TPU and TPV for a flexible component, start with the exact material family and grade, not the general label. TPE is an umbrella term; TPU and TPV are specific thermoplastic elastomer families. Performance varies by formulation and grade, so a useful comparison also accounts for the part, manufacturing process, operating environment and test conditions.

For procurement teams, the practical goal is to give suppliers enough information to identify comparable materials and quote the right form. A hardness value or the phrase “rubber-like” is not a complete specification.

What do TPE, TPU and TPV mean?

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) describes a broad group of materials that combine elastic behaviour with thermoplastic processing. It does not identify one universal chemistry or a single set of properties. Ask which TPE family and grade is intended before comparing technical data. Avient’s guide to TPE also identifies TPU and TPV as types of TPE.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a polyurethane-based TPE. TPU grades can differ in their chemical building blocks and resulting behaviour. Covestro explains that the structure and distribution of flexible and rigid segments influence TPU properties, including chemical and hydrolysis resistance. The label “TPU” alone therefore does not establish whether a grade suits a particular environment. See Covestro’s overview of TPU structure and chemical properties.

Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is another TPE family. A historical ExxonMobil guide for Santoprene TPVs describes vulcanized rubber particles dispersed in a plastic matrix. It also notes that its processing guidance covers specified general-purpose molding grades and that specialty grades may require different procedures. Use the guide as a technical description of the named materials, not as evidence of current PANTEX supply or brand ownership.

The naming relationship matters: TPU and TPV are types of TPE. A request for “TPE” could refer to different materials, including TPU or TPV, so make it more specific before suppliers or grades are compared.

Questions to ask before comparing grades

What exact family and grade is proposed?

“TPE” may describe multiple chemistries; family names do not identify a grade. Request the manufacturer, grade code, current technical data sheet and revision date.

What must the part do?

Softness alone does not describe tensile behaviour, tear resistance, recovery, compression set or abrasion performance. State the required properties, test methods, specimen conditions and acceptance limits.

What will the part contact?

Chemical compatibility depends on the medium and exposure conditions. For TPU, Covestro describes differences related to the material’s chemical building blocks. Specify the fluid or chemical, concentration, temperature, exposure time and mechanical load.

What manufacturing process and construction are intended?

Injection moulding and extrusion requirements can differ, and processing recommendations are grade-specific. For overmoulded or multi-material parts, identify the substrate, surface or treatment details, joining process and bond test.

What approvals or regulations apply?

Compliance is specific to the grade, formulation, market and intended use. Identify the destination market, end use, applicable requirement and supplier documentation. Do not assume that a family name proves food-contact, medical, flame-performance or other regulated suitability.

Why hardness is not a complete specification

Shore hardness helps distinguish softer and firmer materials, but it cannot predict every behaviour that determines whether a component will work. Two grades with similar hardness can differ in tear strength, abrasion, tensile response, elastic recovery, compression set, chemical resistance or processing window.

When a part must maintain a seal or shape under load, ask for relevant test data and conditions. Compression-set results, for example, should be tied to the stated method, temperature, duration and specimen conditions. For a flexible part exposed to a fluid, request compatibility evidence for the actual medium and exposure conditions instead of relying on a general family description.

Compare like with like: use the same test method and conditions wherever possible. Typical property values describe tested samples; they are not automatically acceptance limits or guarantees for a finished component.

A practical selection process

1. Describe the part and its job

State whether the part is a seal, hose, grip, flexible cover, impact component or another function. Include the expected movement, load, deformation, contact surfaces and service-life requirement. These details help narrow the question beyond “we need a flexible plastic.”

2. State the operating environment

List the temperature range, exposure to sunlight or weather, fluids, cleaning agents, oils, abrasion, and continuous or intermittent loading. Identify the destination market and any applicable compliance requirements. Do not assume the material-family name alone proves suitability for a regulated application.

3. Identify the process and construction

Specify injection moulding, extrusion or another intended process. For overmoulded or assembled parts, name the substrate and joining method. Share drawings, dimensions or a sample when available. A material that looks suitable in isolation may still fail to bond, fill the tool, hold tolerances or meet production needs in the actual design.

4. Define measurable requirements

Give the target hardness and scale, plus the other properties that matter to the application. Include test methods, temperatures, conditioning, exposure duration and acceptable limits where known. If limits are not established, distinguish desired targets from mandatory pass/fail criteria.

5. Compare named grades and validate the part

Ask for current grade-specific technical data sheets and supporting declarations relevant to the application. Review whether the data uses comparable test methods and conditions. Before changing an approved material, assess the finished part and process; a family-level comparison is not proof of interchangeability.

What should a thermoplastic elastomer RFQ include?

A useful request for quotation should include:

  • Material family or incumbent manufacturer and grade, if known.
  • Part function, drawing, dimensions or sample description.
  • Moulding or extrusion process and any substrate for bonding.
  • Target hardness, scale and critical mechanical properties.
  • Test methods and acceptance criteria, if established.
  • Chemical, weather, temperature and load exposures.
  • Required approvals, declarations and destination market.
  • Quantity, packaging, delivery destination and requested timing.
  • Whether an alternative grade may be considered and how it will be validated.

If the grade is not yet selected, say so. A clear application brief is more useful than an unsupported request for a generic “TPE equivalent.”

Which one should you choose?

Choose by application requirements and verified grade data, not by the acronym alone. TPU and TPV are distinct TPE families; “TPE” needs further definition before it can support a meaningful comparison. Review the exact grade, process, exposure conditions and test evidence, then validate any candidate in the intended part.

PANTEX lists TPU, TPE and TPV enquiry categories. For a sourcing enquiry, provide the grade or specification, application, quantity and destination through the quotation page. Availability and suitability should be confirmed for the specific project.

Frequently asked questions

Is TPU a type of TPE?

Yes. TPU is a specific thermoplastic polyurethane family within the broader thermoplastic elastomer category. The particular grade still matters because TPU chemistry and performance can vary.

Is TPV a type of TPE?

Yes. TPV is a thermoplastic elastomer family. A historical ExxonMobil Santoprene processing guide describes vulcanized rubber particles dispersed in a plastic matrix. Consult the data and recommendations for the specific grade under consideration.

Can I compare TPE, TPU and TPV using hardness alone?

No. Hardness is one input. Compare the properties, test conditions, exposure and process relevant to the part, and review grade-specific data.

What information should I send when I do not know the grade?

Describe the part, process, operating environment, critical requirements, quantity and destination. Include a drawing, sample or incumbent material reference if available. The supplier can then assess what information is still needed to identify a grade for evaluation.

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