What is TPR Material?

author: Peter Feng
18/05/2022

TPR material, full name thermoplastic rubber, is a material that has properties of both plastic and rubber. It is lightweight and has good abrasion resistance, good tear strength, weather resistance, and electrical properties. TPR performs similarly to vulcanized rubber and is reusable and recyclable. This material is also well suited for injection molding processing.

TPR has the melting and molding properties of plastic while still maintaining some of the flexible properties of rubber. Thermoplastic rubber differs from thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE, in that thermoplastic rubber has a shiny side when melted where the elastomer has a matte finish.

TPR rubber can be as soft as a gel-like material or almost as hard as molded plastic.That’s why we can use TPR to make varies of wonderful toys, soft stress ball, sticky splat ball, customization shape plastic toy, etc. TPR toys are phthalates free and Latex free, safe for 3+ year old children.

What are TPR’s Benefits?
The unique properties of TPR give it several advantages over other materials in the injection molding process, which include:
TPR material usually has a faster cycle time than thermoset rubber
It can be processed on traditional plastic equipment
Its customization options mean it can be made in a variety of colors or clear
TPR can be co-molded or co-extruded with other types of rigid plastics
It can be compounded for a range of physical and chemical properties

And most customers wonder what’s the difference between TPR and Silicone?
TPR vs. Silicone
TPR mimics silicone in many ways, and it is hygienic, soft, pliable, durable and even recyclable. It is less porous than many materials, but more porous than Silicone. Hypoallergenic. While silicone is more expensive than TPR.