What You Should Know About TPVs

If you have been looking up industrial materials similar to plastic and rubber, you may have come across TPVs. A TPV is a thermoplastic vulcanizate, which belongs to the group of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The name might be complicated, but there are many advantages to using this type of material. There are many uses to TPVs, which often appear under the brand name Santoprene. Here are some things to know about TPVs to decide if they will work well for your manufacturing projects.

Understanding TPVs

Before going into the uses and benefits, it helps to know exactly what a TPV, including what it is made up of. The thermoplastic vulcanized material is a type of material that functions, looks, and feels like rubber, but isn't quite the same material. It is a type of high-performance elastomer that has longevity and many different applications. The process of making TPVs is very similar to making rubber and thermoplastic materials.

Applications For TPVs

Now that you understand what a TPV is, you can learn about the different applications. Regardless of what area of manufacturing you are in, there is bound to be a product or item that you can make with the help of this rubber-like material. It is often used with household items and appliances, automotive parts, healthcare items, construction, industrial applications, and electrical supplies. If you think about items that have seals or fittings made of rubber or plastic, you can imagine TPVs working as an alternative. For example, it is often used for rubber handles on tools, the spouts on baby and toddler bottles, and sealing rings for plumbing fittings.

Benefits of TPVs

So why should you use TPVs as opposed to other thermoplastic materials or traditional rubber? There are actually many ways you can benefit from this type of material. First of all, it is long-lasting, and can typically handle more extreme temperatures than other materials, including heat and cold temperatures. It is resistant to fatigue and extended use on tools and consumer products used frequently, as well as being able to handle direct sunlight without damage. If you manufacture products to be used outdoors in direct sunlight, such as the rubber handles on gardening tools, you can bet the TPVs will last a long time without issue.

For your manufacturing needs, consider making the switch to TPVs as an alternative to traditional rubber or plastic applications. You will soon notice all the long-term benefits of this material.