Material focus
TPU selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
TPU
TPU Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) spans soft elastomeric parts and tougher grades that still feel rubber-like compared with rigid plastics.
TPU
When to specify TPU
How procurement and design teams use TPU on injection molded programs.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) spans soft elastomeric parts and tougher grades that still feel rubber-like compared with rigid plastics. Footwear, cable jacketing, and overmold grips use TPU when abrasion resistance and flexibility must coexist. Shore hardness and ester vs ether chemistry change hydrolysis resistance; specify environment on the RFQ. TPU is moisture sensitive and drying is strict on most grades; exact drying parameters come from the supplier TDS for the grade you select. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release. For flexible tubing and fatigue-resistant straps, see Pebax .
Key traits
Why buyers specify TPU
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
Hardened steel tool build in about 10 business days on qualified programs (part complexity dependent).
Common grades
Common TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes. Shore hardness and ester or ether chemistry vary by grade. Confirm both on the supplier TDS before specifying.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrolysis resistant | Desmopan 9370AU | Breathable films, shoe soles, hard-soft systems |
| Extrusion / coating | Desmopan 2790A | Textile coating and flexible sheet applications |
| Polyether TPU | LARIPUR LPR5260 | Parts needing better hydrolysis and cold flexibility |
| Structural TPU | ISOPLAST 302EZ | Stiff TPU parts and engineering soft-touch components |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Overmold grips | Soft touch on rigid substrate | TPU hardness, bond to substrate material |
| Cable strain reliefs | Flex fatigue resistance | Chemical and temperature exposure |
| Seals and gaskets (short cycle) | Compression set vs silicone | Durometer target |
| Wear pads and skid plates | Abrasion resistance on sliding surfaces | Name the abrasion test method on the PO |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
Abrasion resistance requirement (wear surface, contact material)
Tear strength target or a reference part that passed your test
Hydrolysis exposure: water, humidity, or outdoor service
Polyester (ester) vs polyether (ether) TPU, or the fluids that decide it
Shore A or D hardness range, plus overmold substrate resin if any
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (Shore A/D hardness, hydrolysis resistance, overmold substrate)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note TPU on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
TPU vs TPE
Abrasion vs cost and dry feel.
TPU vs TPE
TPE family hub
SEBS, TPV, and olefinic elastomers.
TPE family hub
TPV (Santoprene)
Compression set and heat for seals.
TPV (Santoprene)
SEBS
Soft grips and seals often compared with TPU.
SEBS
Silicone (LSR)
Thermoset reference for high heat.
Silicone (LSR)
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
TPU injection molding FAQ
Should I choose ester or ether TPU?
Ester TPU usually wins on abrasion and oil resistance, while ether TPU holds up better in water, humidity, and microbial exposure. At NetProto, state the service fluids on the RFQ so DFM can confirm the chemistry before tooling release.
Why is TPU drying called strict?
TPU absorbs moisture, and wet resin can cause splay, bubbles, and lower mechanical properties. At NetProto, we follow the supplier TDS for the selected grade rather than publishing a single drying recipe on this page.
TPU vs TPE?
TPU often wins on abrasion; TPE can win on cost and dry feel.
TPU vs TPV?
TPU often wins on abrasion and tear strength. TPV is the usual sealing choice when compression set and heat aging matter. Confirm both grades on the supplier TDS.
TPU vs Silicone?
TPU is a thermoplastic and can be overmolded onto a rigid substrate. Silicone (LSR) is a thermoset and is chosen when continuous heat goes past the TPU grade. Confirm the service on the datasheet.
Does TPU need drying?
Yes. Most TPU grades are hygroscopic. Follow the supplier TDS for the exact grade.
Can TPU be rigid?
Higher hardness TPUs exist but are still elastomeric vs ABS.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
Next step
Quote TPU parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list TPU or the target grade on the instant quote platform.