Custom TPE profiles designed for your application
Many everyday products, such as water hoses, sealing rings, window seals and door stops, have the look and feel of rubber. However, many of these products are not made from conventional rubber but from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
TPE combines the flexibility and elasticity of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. This makes it an attractive material for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
At VR Trade, we supply an extensive range of standard profiles directly from stock. In addition, we specialise in the development, production and supply of custom-made TPE profiles.
Whether you need a specific shape, dimension, hardness or colour, we can help develop a profile tailored to your application. From the initial idea to the finished product, our team supports you in finding the right solution.
What is TPE and how does it differ from conventional rubber?
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) combine the properties of two material groups: thermoplastics and elastomers.
Conventional rubber is made from natural or synthetic polymers. During a process called vulcanisation, the material is heated together with crosslinking agents such as sulphur or peroxide. This creates permanent chemical bonds between the polymer chains, giving rubber its characteristic elasticity and strength.
Once vulcanised, conventional rubber cannot simply be melted and reshaped. Recycling therefore requires specialised processes.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) work differently. When heated, TPE becomes soft and can be processed like a thermoplastic. Once cooled, it regains its elastic properties.
Instead of permanent chemical crosslinks, TPE uses physical connections between polymer chains. These connections can be reversed through heating, allowing the material to be processed and potentially recycled again.
This combination makes TPE an attractive alternative to conventional rubber in many applications. It offers rubber-like flexibility while providing the processing advantages of thermoplastics.
TPE compared with other rubber materials
Choosing the right material is essential for the performance, durability and service life of a profile.
TPE offers excellent resistance to weathering, ozone and ageing, combined with high elongation. It is therefore particularly suitable for many sealing and industrial applications.
However, no single material is ideal for every application. Where prolonged contact with oils, grease or petrol is expected, NBR (nitrile rubber) is generally the more suitable choice.
The following table provides a general comparison of common elastomer materials.
|
Property |
NR |
SBR |
EPDM |
TPE |
NBR |
|
Tear strength (N/mm²) |
30 |
25 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
|
Elongation (%) |
800 |
450 |
450 |
750 |
500 |
|
Temperature (°C) |
-50 / +80 |
-40 / +100 |
-40 / +150 |
-30 / +110 |
-35 / +120 |
|
Abrasion resistance |
++ |
++ |
+ |
o |
+ |
|
Elasticity |
++ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
|
Flex crack resistance |
+ |
+ |
++ |
o |
o |
|
Ageing and oxidation resistance |
o |
+ |
++ |
++ |
o |
|
Weather and ozone resistance |
- |
- |
++ |
++ |
o |
|
Steam resistance |
o |
+ |
++ |
+ |
+ |
|
Oil and grease resistance |
- |
- |
- |
o |
++ |
|
Petrol resistance |
- |
- |
- |
- |
++ |
Rating scale:
++ Very good | + Good | o Satisfactory | - Not recommended
Note: Material properties can vary depending on the specific compound, formulation and operating conditions. The values above are indicative and should be checked against the relevant material specifications.
Applications of custom TPE profiles
Thanks to their flexibility, elasticity and resistance to environmental influences, TPE profiles are used across a wide range of industries.
Typical applications include:
- Automotive: sealing profiles, protective strips and bumper profiles.
- Construction: window seals, door seals and expansion joint profiles.
- Electrical industry: protective profiles and sealing solutions.
- Solar industry: sealing profiles for solar modules.
- Marine industry: boat fender profiles and protective edges.
- Industrial applications: clamp seals, custom sealing profiles and technical components.
The versatility of TPE makes it suitable for both standard applications and specially developed profile designs.
Features and advantages of VR Trade TPE profiles
At VR Trade, we focus on providing practical profile solutions that meet the technical and commercial requirements of our customers.
Whether you need a small production batch or profiles for larger manufacturing volumes, we can help you find the right solution.
Product features
- Hardness: Available in 45 and 65 Shore A.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +110°C.
- Standard colours: Black, grey and white.
- Custom colours: RAL colours available on request, subject to minimum order quantities.
- Dimensions: Profile dimensions ranging from 5 to 55 mm.
Why choose custom TPE profiles from VR Trade?
- Custom-made profiles tailored to your application.
- Low tooling costs.
- Short delivery times.
- Flexible production volumes, from small to large batches.
- Various hardness levels and colour options.
- No technical drawing required to get started.
- Support during material and profile selection.
- Thermoplastic processing and potential material recycling.
Our aim is to make custom profile development straightforward and cost-effective, even when you are starting with just an idea or an existing sample.
Technical specifications of TPE
The following technical data provides an overview of the properties of our standard TPE materials in 45 and 65 Shore A.
|
Property |
Unit |
Standard |
45 Shore A |
65 Shore A |
|
Hardness |
Shore A |
ASTM D 2240 |
45 |
65 |
|
Density |
g/cm³ |
ASTM D 792 |
1.17 |
1.18 |
|
Tensile strength at break |
MPa |
ASTM D 412 |
4 |
7 |
|
Modulus at 100% elongation |
MPa |
ASTM D 412 |
1.10 |
2.10 |
|
Modulus at 300% elongation |
MPa |
ASTM D 412 |
2.10 |
3.20 |
|
Elongation at break |
% |
ASTM D 412 |
800 |
750 |
|
Compression set, 23°C / 22 h |
% |
ASTM D 395 |
14 |
18 |
|
Compression set, 70°C / 22 h |
% |
ASTM D 395 |
48 |
44 |
|
Compression set, 100°C / 22 h |
% |
ASTM D 395 |
65 |
74 |
|
Tear resistance |
N/mm |
ASTM D 624 |
22 |
36 |
|
Ozone resistance (stressed) |
– |
ASTM D 1149 |
No cracks |
No cracks |
|
Bondable to |
– |
– |
PP, EVA, PE |
PP, EVA, PE |
Which TPE hardness is right for your application?
The choice between 45 and 65 Shore A depends on the requirements of your application.
45 Shore A: A softer and more flexible material, suitable for applications where flexibility and deformation are important.
65 Shore A: A harder material that provides greater resistance to deformation and may be more suitable for applications requiring additional support and stability.
Our team can help you determine which hardness is best suited to your profile design and operating conditions.
Compliant and responsible material solutions
Our TPE profiles meet the requirements of REACH, RoHS and PAHS, supporting their use in markets with strict regulations concerning restricted substances.
Depending on the application and required specifications, the appropriate material documentation can be provided.
TPE also offers advantages in terms of material processing and recycling. As a thermoplastic material, it can be reheated and reprocessed under suitable conditions, contributing to more efficient material use.
Custom TPE profile development: From idea to finished product
Every application has its own requirements. That is why we believe in developing profile solutions around the needs of our customers.
At VR Trade, we are happy to support you in finding the right material, dimensions, hardness and profile design.
Not sure whether TPE, EPDM or another elastomer is the best choice for your application? Our experienced sales team will gladly advise you.
You do not need a finished technical drawing to get started. An existing profile, sample, sketch or description of your application can be a good starting point for developing a custom solution.
Frequently asked questions about TPE profiles
What is the difference between TPE and rubber?
TPE combines rubber-like elasticity with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. Unlike conventionally vulcanised rubber, TPE can be softened through heating and potentially reprocessed.
Are TPE profiles suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes. TPE offers good resistance to weathering and ozone, making it suitable for many outdoor applications. The exact suitability depends on the material formulation and operating conditions.
Can TPE profiles be manufactured in custom colours?
Yes. Our standard colours are black, grey and white. Other RAL colours can be supplied on request, subject to minimum order quantities.
What hardness levels are available?
Our standard TPE profiles are available in 45 and 65 Shore A.
Can TPE profiles be recycled?
TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer and can generally be reheated and reprocessed. Actual recycling possibilities depend on the material formulation and available recycling processes.
Do I need a technical drawing to request a custom TPE profile?
No. You can start with an existing sample, a sketch or a description of your application. Our team will help you explore the possibilities.
Let's develop your custom TPE profile together
Looking for a reliable supplier of custom TPE profiles?
Whether you need a specific shape, dimension, hardness or colour, VR Trade is ready to help you find the right solution.
With our experience in profile development and supply, we make it easy to turn your requirements into a practical, cost-effective profile solution.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +31 (0)26 317 9988
VR Trade – Your partner for standard and custom-made profiles.