TPU films

Q: What is TPU film?

TPU film is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. The material combines elastic properties with mechanical strength and can be processed thermoplastically. Depending on the type, the hardness, flexibility, surface quality, resistance, and resilience can be specifically adjusted.

Q: Which TPU hardness is suitable for my application?

This depends on the function of the film. Soft versions with a Shore A rating of approximately 60 offer high flexibility and a pleasant hand feel. Harder types with a Shore D rating of up to 80 are more stable in shape and more resistant to mechanical stress. In addition, film thickness, temperature, media contact, and further processing must be considered.

Q: When is ether-based TPU useful?

Ether-based TPU is interesting when the film is exposed to moisture, hydrolysis, or repeated cleaning processes. Its actual suitability is tested based on temperature, media, exposure time, and mechanical stress.

Where flexibility, resilience and durability must come together, The search begins for the right film solution. TPU film – thermoplastic polyurethane – combines elastic behavior with high mechanical strength and versatile processing capabilities. From the initial idea to serial production, we develop technical films for applications where standard materials reach their limits.

Key data in focus

from 0.1 mm

Film thickness

approx. -40 °C to +80 °C

Operating temperature

from 60 Shore A

Shore hardness

up to 80 Shore D

Shore hardness

ISO 9001

Made in Austria

Special solution

Material properties

What is TPU film unique makes

TPU film is not just soft or elastic. Its properties can be adjusted by Polymer structure, hardness, formulation, film structure and Processing specifically to the Customize the application. What matters is the interplay between flexibility, strength, surface quality and durability.

Elasticity and resilience

TPU film can deform under stress and subsequently return largely to its original shape. This ability to return to its original shape is particularly important when the film is repeatedly moved, stretched, bent, or used as a seal. In this way, TPU provides reliable functions over many cycles of movement.

Flexibility across a wide range of hardness

From soft, elastic versions with 60 Shore A to significantly harder types up to 80 Shore D: TPU film can be adapted to the desired feel, bending stiffness and load-bearing capacity. This leads to solutions for flexible protective layers as well as for more form-stable technical films.

High abrasion and scratch resistance

TPU films are resistant to mechanical stress. Depending on the type and surface, they offer good abrasion and scratch resistance – for example, when repeatedly exposed to contact, friction, or when used in moving systems. This protects the function and maintains the surface during daily use.

Chemical resistance

TPU can be resistant to many oils, fats, cleaning agents and other media. The actual level of resistance depends on the TPU type, concentration, exposure time and temperature. We take these factors into account when selecting the material and check which film solution is suitable for your application.

UV and weather resistance

Stable TPU types are available for applications exposed to light and weather conditions. Especially aliphatic TPU films are often suitable for applications where UV resistance, color stability, and a permanently high-quality surface play an important role. With aromatic types, the selection of the appropriate stabilization is particularly crucial.

Temperature resistance

TPU film can be used in a temperature range of approximately -40 °C to +80 °C depending on the type. The specific design depends on the maximum and minimum temperatures, mechanical stress, and the influence of media. We consider not only the material but the entire system surrounding the film.

Surfaces for different requirements

Whether smooth, matte, textured, or embossed: The surface influences the feel, appearance, friction, and function of the film. Concealed or self-adhesive versions can also be useful depending on the application. The quality of the surface is not considered in isolation, but selected in accordance with further processing and subsequent use.

Product variants

Which TPU film Does it suit you?

Not every TPU is the same. Aromatic and aliphatic types differ just as do the ether- and ester-based variants. We think about the application case and together find the film that is truly suitable mechanically, chemically and economically.

Aromatic TPU film

Aromatic TPU provides a reliable foundation for many technical applications. It is particularly suitable where flexibility, abrasion resistance and an economical material solution are required.

Aliphatic TPU film

Aliphatic TPU is interesting for applications with increased requirements for UV resistance, color stability, and optical durability. It is particularly suitable for visible films and products exposed to light or weathering.

Ether-based TPU

Ether-based TPU can leverage its strengths where moisture, hydrolysis, or repeated cleaning processes play a role. The material selection depends on temperature, media contact, and mechanical stress.

Ester-based TPU

Ester-based TPU offers a balanced combination of mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and resistance to many oils and fats. It is suitable for films that need to be mechanically strong while remaining flexible.

Flame-resistant TPU film

When flexibility and fire protection are required together, flame-resistant TPU types can be a suitable solution. Depending on the material design and testing requirements, the fire behavior can be specifically considered. This requires testing to determine how flame protection, elasticity, surface quality, and mechanical properties interact.

Special solutions

When standard films are not enough, we think further. Together, we develop solutions that are tailored exactly to your requirements – from the material selection to the pre-assembled film.

Fields of application

Where TPU films their strengths play out

Medical and health technology

TPU films are used for flexible, skin-close and hygienically relevant applications. Depending on the type and approval, they can be interesting for medical products, protective films, flexible components or functional covers.

Sport and leisure

In sports products, mobility, pleasant hand feel and resistance are important features. TPU film is suitable for flexible protective areas, coatings, reinforcements and functional components that are repeatedly moved and subjected to mechanical stress.

Technical protective films

As a protective layer, TPU film protects surfaces from abrasion, scratches, moisture, and mechanical stress. Depending on the design, it can be used transparently, colored, matte, or textured.

Seals and flexible connection solutions

The elastic behavior and good resilience make TPU film interesting for flexible sealing and connection solutions. The appropriate hardness, film thickness, and surface are selected based on pressure, movement, and media contact.

Automotive and traffic technology

TPU films can be used in areas where flexibility, abrasion resistance and a high-quality surface must combine. For visible applications, UV-resistant and color-stable aliphatic types are particularly interesting.

Industry and mechanical engineering

Whether protection, isolation, damping or flexible cover: TPU film opens up possibilities for technical components with repeated movement and mechanical stress. The processing further down the line through punching, lamination or assembly is also already taken into account when selecting the material.

Why Filzwieser for TPU film in the film extrusion?

TPU film does not work solely because of the material. Film thickness, hardness, temperature control, cooling, surface finish and further processing all influence the result. Even small deviations can affect dimensional accuracy, appearance, return ability, or adhesion.

We assist you in selecting the appropriate TPU type and consider the film as part of your overall system. From the initial idea to the material and film construction, through to the roll stock, cutting or pre-assembled solution.

What we are distinguishes

Your
contact person

I am happy to meet you:

Rainer Wegscheider

+43 7353 265 63
r.wegscheider@filzwieser.eu

FAQ & Background information

Frequently asked questions

What is TPU film?

TPU film consists of thermoplastic polyurethane. The material combines elastic properties with mechanical strength and can be processed thermoplastically. Depending on the type, hardness, flexibility, surface quality, resistance, and return ability can be specifically adjusted.

Which TPU hardness is suitable for my application?

It depends on the function of the film. Softer formulations with a Shore A of about 60 offer high flexibility and a pleasant hand feel. Harder types with a Shore D of up to 80 are more stable in shape and more resistant to mechanical stress. Additionally, film thickness, temperature, media contact, and further processing must be considered.

What is the difference between aromatic and aliphatic TPU?

Aromatic TPU often offers a good combination of mechanical strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance. Aliphatic TPU is particularly used when UV resistance, color stability and a consistently high-quality appearance are important. Which type is suitable depends on the application and the required properties.

When is ether-based TPU useful?

Ether-based TPU is interesting when the film Exposed to moisture, hydrolysis or repeated cleaning processes It is. The actual suitability is tested based on temperature, media, exposure time, and mechanical stress.

When is ester-based TPU the better choice?

Ester-based TPU can offer advantages when good abrasion resistance and resistance to many oils and fats are required. Here too, it is not only the material family that determines the choice, but also the specific type and the interplay with the operating conditions.

Is TPU film UV-resistant?

TPU film can achieve good UV and weather resistance depending on the type and stabilization. For applications in outdoor environments or in environments exposed to prolonged sunlight, the targeted selection of materials is crucial. Aliphatic TPU types are often particularly suitable for color stability and long-lasting visual durability.

Can TPU film be made flame-resistant?

Yes, flame-resistant TPU types are available for certain requirements. Flame retardant additives may influence elasticity, surface quality, resilience and processing behavior. Therefore, the standards, the film structure and the application must be considered together.

What surface finishes are possible with TPU film?

Depending on the design, smooth, matte, textured or embossed surfaces are possible. Concealed and self-adhesive solutions can also be developed. Which surface is suitable depends on appearance, feel, friction, adhesion, and further processing.

Can TPU film be used for medical applications?

Suitable TPU types and film solutions are available for medical applications. The specific requirements regarding biocompatibility, sterilizability, hygiene, media resistance and approval are crucial. We will jointly examine which material configuration is suitable for your product and for the intended use.