🧩 PC+TPU – Polycarbonate + Thermoplastic Polyurethane
(Flexible and impact-resistant hybrid material, combining the rigidity and durability of polycarbonate with the elasticity and adhesion of polyurethane. Ideal for automotive applications requiring mechanical strength, damping, and controlled flexibility.)
🔹 What is PC+TPU
PC+TPU is an elastic thermoplastic blend obtained by combining polycarbonate (PC) with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).
This combination offers a material that maintains the solid structure and rigidity of PC but gains elasticity, shock resilience, and abrasion resistance from TPU. The result: a semi-flexible, glossy material with good adhesion and enhanced durability under mechanical stress.
🔧 Composition
- Polycarbonate (PC): 60–80 %
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 20–40 %
- Elastomer Additives / UV Stabilizers: 1–3 %
- Density: 1.15–1.20 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 210–230 °C
- Chemical Resistance: Very good (oils, fuels, mild solvents).
- Elasticity: 30–50 % deformation without cracking.
🚗 Where PC+TPU is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Exterior Protection | Corner trims, sensor covers, rigid gaskets | Flexibility and shock absorption |
| Car Interior | Button covers, protected frames, brackets | Soft touch, glossy appearance, durable |
| Technical / Struct. | Small dampers, hybrid housings | Controlled flexibility and thermal resistance |
| Decorative | Soft-touch finish parts | Pleasant surface, non-slip, resistant |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 240 – 260 °C | Controlled heating, uniform melting |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 230 – 250 °C | Clean joint without burning the TPU |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | Suitable for long cracks and flexible joints |
🔩 What to Weld PC+TPU With (Material Compatibility)
PC+TPU has excellent compatibility with other elastic blends or modified styrenics.
✅ Compatible with:
- PC+TPU ↔ PC / TPU / PC+ABS / PC+ASA / PC+PBT – good bond.
- PC+TPU ↔ PC+PET / PC-HI – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible with:
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, PS, TPO – poor adhesion, different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PC+TPU rods or PC+ABS rods at 250–260 °C. Keep the hot air moving constantly to avoid carbonizing the TPU. After welding, you can apply a light polish or a quick hot air pass to equalize the surface.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Covestro: Makrolon® SoftBlend / Desmopan®
- SABIC: Lexan® Soft / Cycoloy® Elast
- LG Chem: LUPOY® TPU Blend
- Trinseo: Pulse™ FlexBlend PC-TPU
🧠 How to Identify PC+TPU
- Engraved marking: >PC+TPU<, >TPU/PC<, >SoftBlend<, >Desmopan<.
- Soft surface, slightly flexible, glossy or satin finish.
- Faint polyurethane-specific odor.
- Melts uniformly without visible bubbles.
- After cooling, it easily returns to its initial shape without cracking.
🛠️ PC+TPU Welding at ReplastMD:
At ReplastMD (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PC+TPU welding for flexible corner trims, sensor protectors, and soft-touch interior frames, ensuring a soft-touch, durable, and crack-free finish.