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3. Implementation and transformation
Downstream of the production line, a wide range of equipment enables TPU films to be processed, further enhancing their versatility. TPU films can be heat-welded or sealed by radio frequency (RF), vacuum-formed, bonded with adhesive, or thermally bonded to each other or to countless substrates. TPU tubing can be combined with foils or films, so that the entire finished product benefits from the advantages of urethane, as in inflatable and articulated support systems for medical use. TPU can also be used as a substrate for traditional or screen printing. They have a maximum service temperature of between - 40 ˚C and + 107 ˚C (polyesters) and between - 50 ˚C and + 107 ˚C (polyethers) and their melting ranges are between 170 ˚C and 204 ˚C (polyesters) and between 170 ˚C and 215 ˚C (polyethers).
Stevens Urethane, in Massachusetts, is the only company in the world to...
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The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
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Implementation and transformation
Statistical and economic data
In the absence of reliable market statistics for TPU films and foils (aromatic and aliphatic), world production is roughly estimated at 14,000 tonnes, two-thirds of which is manufactured in the USA. Europe produces some 3,000 tonnes, with Germany the leading producer ahead of the UK, France and Italy. The remainder of production comes from Asia, mainly Taiwan, Japan and Korea.
It...
References
Events
ANTEC (SPE Annual Technical Conference) http://www.4spe.org
Websites
List of TPU suppliers http://www.ides.com/generics/TPU/TPU_suppliers.htm
Directory
Manufacturers – Suppliers – Distributors (non-exhaustive list)
A. Schulman Inc. http://www.aschulman.com
API SpA http://www.apiplastic.com
BASF Corporation http://www.basf.com
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The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference