Plastics

TPE Thermoplastic Elastomers

Coperion is expert in the design of compounding plants for TPE Thermoplastic Elastomers
Coperion is expert in the design of compounding plants for TPE Thermoplastic Elastomers
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Numerous Coperion plants have proven themselves in the market for TPE compounding
Numerous Coperion plants have proven themselves in the market for TPE compounding
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Compounding plant for TPE thermoplastic elastomers
Compounding plant for TPE thermoplastic elastomers
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Coperion K-Tron offers a wide range of feeding solutions
Coperion K-Tron offers a wide range of feeding solutions
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Coperion K-Tron BSP feeders are ideal for granular products
Coperion K-Tron BSP feeders are ideal for granular products
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Successful Processing of TPE in a Wide Variety of Shapes and Formulations

Thermoplastic elastomers TPE are characterized by their elastic usage and thermoplastic processing properties. Based on the chemical-morphological structure, they are divided into TPE-S, TPE-O, TPE-E, TPE-A and TPE-V. Different methods are applied for the compounding of thermoplastic elastomers such as pelletizing or direct extrusion in film or sheet.

Numerous twin screw compounding systems from Coperion are in operation worldwide for the processing of thermoplastic elastomers in a wide variety of shapes and formulations. Coperion K-Tron feeders ensure that both elastomers and additives are added into the process consistently and accurately for an optimal result.  Accurate feeding of mineral fillers is particularly important to avoid strain on the extruder due to overfeeding. A wide range of pneumatic systems and components are also available to handle the transfer of material to and from the extrusion process.

Area of applications

  • TPE-S
  • TPE-O
  • TPE-U
  • TPE-E
  • TPE-A
  • TPE-V

Recipies

TPE refers to elastomer alloys which consist of different quantities
of thermoplastics and elastomers.

Recipe ingredients
Elastomers: SBS, SEBS, SEPS, etc.
Thermoplastics: PS, PP, PE, PA, PPE, etc.
Plasticiser
Mineral fillers

 

Thermoplastic elastomers with a cross-linking rubber component are specified as TPE-V. The cross-linking and dispersing of the EPDM as well as the addition of larger quantities of softener make high demands to the compounding technology.

 Recipe ingredients
PP
EPDM
Softener
Fillers
Additives, pigments
Cross-linking agent, accelerator, activators
Reclaim

 

Decorative film which is used for vehicle interiors for instance, can be produced with Coperion extrusion lines in a singlestep process. The intermediate pelletizing typical for plastics and other products is omitted in this in-line compounding. This considerably reduces the investment and running costs as well as the energy requirement of the production process.

Typical set-up for processing TPE thermoplastic elastomers

Comprehensive product range

Coperion twin screw extruder ZSK MvPLUS Screw elements

Compounding Machines and Extruders

Coperion’s twin screw extruders have successfully proven themselves in the market. Our specialists adapt the structure of the process section individually to the process steps to be executed depending on the raw materials and the cross-link system.

Coperion K-Tron single and twins screw feeders over an extruder inlet

Feeding Equipment

Feeding the right amount of each material can makes the difference between good material and scrap when compounding Thermoplastics Elastomers. Coperion K-Tron has provided proven material handling and feeding solutions to the plastics industry for decades. Our feeder designs include single screw feeders and Bulk Solids Pump (BSP) feeders for granular and pelletized materials and twin screw feeders for difficult powders. All of our loss-in-weight feeders feature our patented digital SFT weighing technology for the critical accuracy your process demands, ensuring consistent feed into the extruder and on-spec end product.

Coperion K-Tron Compounding Line

Material Handling

Coperion and Coperion K-Tron offer a wide range of material handling solutions, both for bringing raw materials to the process and transferring end products to packaging and distribution steps. We can design and provide pneumatic conveying systems to deliver your materials to the feeders, increasing process efficiency. Our experienced systems engineering teams can tailor material handling solutions to the specific needs of your process.

Coperion compounding plant

Plants and Systems

Coperion is the plant constructor for the plastics industry. We are your perfect partner for all bulk solids and processing plants in the compounding sectors. We have the unique know-how for all process stages and also develop and manufacture all key components required for the overall process.

Coperion service technician

Service

Your comfort is what we ensure with our worldwide service presence. Our service team is on-side already during installation and commissioning of a machine or plant. Maintenance, spare parts service, modernization and trainings – we use our know-how and competence to the advantage of our customers.

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