Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is an elastic material widely used in industrial and consumer products. Understanding the Shore D and Shore A of TPU, including their position on the TPU hardness scale, is essential for selecting the right material. TPU hardness, often measured with a durometer, plays a pivotal role in determining the suitability of a material for specific applications. This article will explore the difference between the two hardnesses and their applications in detail, while also referencing TPU hardness charts to illustrate comparisons, particularly in the field of cable materials.（TPU Melting Temperature）
Angreen Inc's TPU materials are mainly used in the production of wire and cable sheathing and wire and cable insulation. The hardness ranges from Shore 60A to Shore 95A.
The Shore Hardness Scale is used to measure the hardness of a material, which is a measure of the resistance of the material to indentation. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, and the higher the number, the harder the material. Shore A is generally used for softer materials, such as soft rubber and flexible filaments, while Shore D is used for harder materials. For TPU materials, both scales are frequently referenced, and a clear understanding of TPU Shore hardness helps in aligning material properties with intended applications.
TPU hardness is a defining characteristic that makes this material adaptable across industries. The measurement of TPU hardness, whether using Shore A or Shore D, provides insights into its performance under various conditions. For instance, a TPU hardness chart comparing Shore D versus Shore A values can guide material selection. TPU’s Shore hardness scale demonstrates its versatility, accommodating both flexible and rigid product designs.
Features: Shore A is used to measure softer materials and ranges from 0 to 100. Flexible materials have lower values and lower hardness.
Applications: This hardness is suitable for flexible 3D printing materials, shoe soles, rubber seals, and certain TPU cable sheaths. TPU filaments with Shore A hardness exhibit soft and elastic characteristics, making them ideal for applications requiring flexibility and durability.
Features: Shore D is used to measure harder materials and also ranges from 0 to 100. Higher values indicate a harder material.
Applications: This hardness is suitable for semi-flexible and rigid applications such as industrial components, automotive parts, and high-strength TPU cable jackets. Shore D TPU materials deliver superior resistance to deformation and wear, ensuring durability in demanding environments.
A TPU hardness chart is an effective tool for comparing Shore D and Shore A values, particularly when selecting materials for overlapping applications. For instance:
TPU with Shore A of 80 corresponds approximately to TPU with Shore D of 30, illustrating its transition from flexible to semi-rigid properties.
TPU materials with Shore D values between 60-80 are commonly used for applications demanding high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, whereas Shore A values around 30-50 prioritize flexibility and softness.
Material Shore
Understanding TPU Shore hardness helps manufacturers and designers identify the right balance of properties. Lower Shore A hardness (such as 30-50 Shore A) enhances elasticity, ideal for flexible components. Conversely, higher Shore D hardness (such as 60-80 Shore D) provides increased abrasion resistance and structural integrity for more robust applications.
| Shore Hardness Scale | Shore A | Shore D | Description | Typical Applications |
| 0 | Very Soft, Almost Like Gel | - | Almost No Resistance, Extremely Soft | Gel Pads, Shock Absorbers, Soft Protective Gear |
| 10 | Soft Rubber | - | Soft Like Rubber | Soft Packaging Materials, Medical Devices |
| 20 | Semi-Flexible Rubber | - | Soft But Somewhat Resistant | Soft Packaging Materials, Medical Devices |
| 30 | Flexible Rubber | - | Soft And With Some Structure | Protective Pads, Flexible Seals |
| 40 | Semi-Hard Rubber | - | Soft, But Stronger | Protective Covers, Flexible Tool Handles |
| 50 | Flexible But Firm | - | Moderate Hardness | Shoe Sole Materials |
| 60 | Medium Hardness | - | Slightly Harder, But Still With Some Elasticity | Soft Tires, Rubber Seals |
| 70 | Semi-Hard | - | Harder | Automotive Parts, Cable Protection Kits |
| 80 | Hard | - | Stronger and More Durable | Industrial Parts, Cable Sheaths |
| 90 | Very hard | 30 | Extremely Hard | Industrial Parts, High Wear Resistance Applications |
| 100 | - | 40 | Extremely High Wear Resistance And Rigidity | Engineering Materials, Mechanical Parts |
| - | - | 50 | High Rigidity, Almost No Elasticity | Industrial Parts, Structural Parts |
| - | - | 60 | Very High Resistance | Special Equipment Components, Engineering Structural Parts |
| - | - | 70 | Extremely Hard, Almost no Deformation | Heavy Equipment Components, Engineering Structural Parts |
| - | - | 80 | Very High Rigidity | High-voltage Components, Industrial Machinery |
| - | - | 90 | Highest Wear Resistance and Hardness | High-strength Industrial Applications |
| - | - | 100 | Hardest, Almost no Deformation | Special Uses Under Extreme Conditions |
In the field of cable materials, TPU’s ability to adapt to a wide hardness range makes it a favored choice. TPU hardness, assessed via the Shore hardness scale, enables the customization of cable properties to meet diverse environmental demands.
Flexible cables: Using TPU with lower Shore A hardness (such as 30-50 Shore A), this cable is very soft and suitable for scenarios that require high flexibility and bending performance, such as cables in robots and automation equipment.
Soft rubber sheaths: Using TPU with higher Shore A hardness (such as 60-80 Shore A), these sheaths provide a certain degree of robustness while maintaining flexibility, suitable for cable sheaths for mobile devices and portable electronic products.
Abrasion-resistant cables: Using TPU with lower Shore D (e.g. 30-50 Shore D), this cable has better wear resistance and is suitable for cables that require high durability in industrial environments.
High-strength cables: Using TPU with higher Shore D (e.g. 60-80 Shore D), this cable is very hard and is suitable for environments that require extremely high wear resistance and mechanical strength, such as cables in mines and oil drilling equipment.
By incorporating TPU Shore hardness scale readings, including values from TPU durometer measurements, designers can effectively utilize the material’s flexibility and rigidity for optimal performance in cable applications.
