Thickness accuracy of TPU film
The thickness error of internationally mass-produced TPU film Still large, in this case, if you want to win more market share, advanced production lines coupled with good measurement and control technology are needed.
Because the ratio of raw materials and reaction temperature of TPU films are difficult to control, many customers are dissatisfied and complain about the thickness error of TPU film products. However, the thickness of TPU films is indeed difficult to accurately control!
Since TPU film manufacturers are elastomers, they are dried and dehumidified, mixed and matured by screws, and then extruded through the die. Any factors in between, including instability of the raw materials, may cause uneven film thickness.
Generally speaking, the industry statement is that it is normal for a 10-wire TPU film thickness to have a plus or minus tolerance of 1 wire (0.01mm). Of course, this is also related to the thickness of the film. The thinner the TPU film, the smaller the thickness tolerance it can accept.
However, advanced TPU film manufacturer testing equipment is often very expensive, so for many small and medium-sized TPU film manufacturers, controlling the thickness and scrap rate of the film is a headache.
In order to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the automotive industry is increasingly using lightweight materials, which is expected to promote Growth of TPU film market. It can be used in the production of auto parts to help reduce body weight (about 40% reduction). At the same time, they can also replace the rubber components of the car.
Used in automotive applications such as doors and sound-absorbing panels, instrumentation and anti-vibration panels, seats and airbags. The replacement or after-sales market is expected to become the new focus of the automotive industry’s demand for TPU films.
Consumers are now extremely price-sensitive, and price plays an important role in the market. Comparing the TPU film market price trend in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region, it is 25% to 35% higher.
How high temperature can TPU film withstand?
Conventional TPU is generally heat-resistant to 80°C, which means that its long-term use temperature cannot exceed 80°C, otherwise the service life will be seriously reduced. There are also heat-resistant TPUs, which are said to be able to withstand up to 130°C. There are also TPUs modified with glass fiber, which have a very high heat-resistant temperature.
TPU film is a material containing -NH-COO- groups in the molecule. The long-chain glycol and isocyanate components constitute the soft segment, and the short-chain glycol and isocyanate components constitute the hard segment. TPU Many characteristics depend on the type of long-chain glycol. Its hardness is adjusted by the ratio of hard segments. The photoaging properties of TPU elastic bands can be improved by adding light stabilizers
After all, it is plastic, and its general resistance is The temperature is generally around 100°C, but if you need to work in a high-temperature environment for a long time, you need special materials. Reinforced polyurethane is specially resistant to high temperatures and oil, and is often used in automobile oil cups, etc.
Generally speaking, if heat resistance is required, it is required for measuring dimensions. The softening point of the card can be tested according to relevant standards. The global softening point is used to test the softening point of asphalt pavement. It is commonly used in TPU hot melt adhesive. The data measured by the capillary rheometer seems to have 4 values. The detection principle is only to test the state of TPU at different temperatures by characterizing the softening point and flow point under constant pressure. Thermodynamic properties of TPU.
TPU film forming and uses
TPU films are mainly divided into the following types according to their applications:
1. Shoe materials TPU is used in shoe materials mainly due to its excellent elasticity and wear resistance. Footwear products containing TPU are much superior to ordinary footwear products in terms of wearing comfort. Therefore, they are widely used in high-end footwear products, especially some sports shoes and casual shoes.
2. Film
TPU is increasingly popular due to its superior performance and environmental protection concept. Currently, TPU can be a substitute for PVC wherever PVC is used. TPU film can not only be bonded to various fabrics, but can also be used to produce products with clear outlines and stable dimensions using vacuum thermoforming. With the continuous improvement of domestic environmental protection awareness, the application of TPU is becoming more and more widespread. Among them, the areas with the fastest growth rate are: shoe upper linings, thermal underwear, transparent underwear, transparent shoulder straps, elastic bands and medical breathable tapes.
3. Adhesive
TPU adhesive is a type of polyurethane adhesive. The use of polyurethane adhesives is quite common in Europe and the United States, especially in the use of shoe adhesives, polyurethane adhesives are almost used. The use of TPU adhesive in my country is to obtain polyurethane adhesive after TPU is dissolved and processed. In terms of the use of TPU adhesives, the four main regions are Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang and Shanghai.
4. Hose Because TPU hose has softness, good tensile strength, impact strength and high and low temperature resistance, TPU hose is widely used in aircraft, tanks, cars, motorcycles, etc. in China. Gas and oil transmission hoses for machine tools and other mechanical equipment. The main TPU hose manufacturing companies are concentrated in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hebei and other places.
5. Wire
TPU provides In addition to tear resistance, wear resistance and bending characteristics, high and low temperature resistance is the key to cable performance. Therefore, in the Chinese market, high-end cables such as control cables and power cables use TPU to protect the coating materials of complexly designed cables. It is also becoming more and more widespread.
6. Roller
Polyurethane elastomer is known for its high mechanical strength, excellent wear resistance, excellent oil resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and outstanding compression resistance. Its properties make it widely used in rollers. Domestic rollers mainly include the following types: industrial rollers, household rollers, sports equipment wheels, medical equipment wheels, and toy wheels.
7. Plastic modification
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Can be used for plasticizing PA and ABS, but the cost is higher.
8. Ink
The main advantages of TPU ink are: excellent adhesion, low viscosity, It has good flexibility resistance, excellent abrasion resistance, high gloss, weather resistance, can withstand any sunlight exposure including UV radiation, and exhibits excellent strength, toughness and durability in various application fields. Inks made of aromatic and aliphatic TPU can be used in various climate and environmental conditions, and the products have stable and outstanding performance.
TPU inks have a smooth and smooth appearance and good light-shielding properties It has the characteristics of alcohol resistance and strong adhesion, and is mainly suitable for surface decoration of TPU and other plastics. Such as mobile phones, laptop computers, shoes, car leather chairs, sofas, high-end leather goods, handbags, inflatable entertainment TPU products, umbrellas, raincoats, etc.
TPU ink is used on metal and glass, with poor adhesion and easy paint peeling.