Thermoplastic polyurethane Exaflex TPU 55D

Description

Exaflex® TPU 55D is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) of the ARES group (ISO 16365-1) with a hardness of 55 Shore D. It combines stiffness at the level of semi-rigid plastics with stable elasticity — an optimal balance for parts operating under constant dynamic load that require geometric stability.

High tensile strength at break (52 MPa) and tear strength (180 kN/m, Die C), combined with low abrasion loss per ASTM D5963 (95 mm³), make the material suitable for a long service life under abrasive contact. It is resistant to hydrolysis and mineral oils, and well-segregated waste can be reprocessed.

Key properties

• Hardness 55 Shore D (ASTM D2240) — at the lower boundary of rigid TPU grades
• Tensile strength at break 52 MPa, elongation 280 % (ASTM D412)
• Tear strength 180 kN/m, Die C (ASTM D624)
• Low abrasion loss — 95 mm³ per ASTM D5963 (Method A non-rotate)
• Low-temperature flexibility — Tg −26 °C (DSC)
• Resistance to hydrolysis and mineral oils
• Low specific gravity — 1.21 g/cm³ (ASTM D792)

Applications

• Injection molding: footwear (soles, heel tips), gaskets and seals, sporting goods, consumer electronics, agricultural attachments
• Extrusion: automotive components, industrial hoses, medical products, conveyor belts, cable and wire sheathing, specialty adhesives and films
• Parts operating in contact with mineral oils or in humid environments

Processing recommendations

Injection molding. Zone temperature profile: Zone 1 — 180 °C, Zone 2 — 185 °C, Zone 3 — 190 °C, Zone 4 — 195 °C, adapter — 200 °C, nozzle — 205–210 °C.

Extrusion. Zone 1 — 185 °C, Zone 2 — 190 °C, Zone 3 — 195 °C, Zone 4 — 200 °C, die — 195 °C.

Drying. The material is shipped dry in moisture-proof bags. Before processing, mandatory drying at 90–100 °C for 3–4 h in a hopper dryer with fresh or dehumidified air is required. Residual moisture must be below 0.02 %.