🧩 PO – Generic Polyolefin
(Universal olefinic material, weldable and lightweight, used in car bumpers, caps, and protections where the exact composition is not defined)
🔹 What is PO
PO (Polyolefin) is a generic name for plastics based on olefins, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or their hybrid blends (TPO, TPV, PP+EPDM, etc.).
When the car manufacturer does not specify the exact composition (e.g., PP-T20, TPO, PE-HD), parts are marked simply as >PO<, indicating an undetermined olefinic material that is nonetheless compatible with PP/TPO welding. PO is very common in bumpers, fairings, and spoilers due to its low price, low weight, and impact resistance.
🔧 Composition
- PP / PE / TPO / EPDM – in various proportions.
- Additives – UV stabilizers, lubricants, colorants, antioxidants.
- Fillers – talc or mineral fibers (5–30%).
- Density: 0.90–0.95 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 160–170 °C.
🚗 Where PO is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body / Exterior | Bumpers, spoilers, guards | Generic olefinic material, easy to weld |
| Technical Interior | Caps, panels, gaskets | Elastic, durable, matte appearance |
| Aftermarket | Universal and mixed OEM parts | Used when exact composition is not critical |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 270 – 290 °C | Most common method for PO parts |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | For flat and aesthetic joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for cracks and corners |
🔩 What to Weld PO With (Material Compatibility)
The question “what to weld PO with” is one of the most common in bumper repairs. PO material welds perfectly with PP, TPO, PP+EPDM, and TPV, as it is olefinic in structure.
✅ Compatible:
- PO ↔ PO – ideal combination.
- PO ↔ PP / TPO / PP+EPDM / TPV – very good compatibility.
- PO ↔ PP+PE / PE-HD – partial compatibility.
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – polar structures, different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use universal TPO or PP rods at a temperature of 280 °C. Clean the oxidized surface, heat uniformly, and apply constant pressure. For large areas or corners, use a double layer or reinforcing mesh.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Borealis: Daplen® PO
- LyondellBasell: Hostacom® PO
- SABIC: Polyolefin Compound
- Hyundai EP: Polytron® PO
- Mitsui Chemicals: Tafmer™ PO
- Braskem: Maxiolefin®
🧠 How to Identify PO
- Engraved marking: >PO<, >PP/PE<, >PP+TPO<, or >OLEFIN<.
- Matte surface, slightly elastic, soft to the touch.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell.
- Softens uniformly at 280 °C, without smoke.
- Floats completely in water (density below 1 g/cm³).
🛠️ PO Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional PO welding for:
- bumpers, spoilers, caps, fairings, and protections;
- OEM aesthetic and structural repairs;
- reconstructing broken mounts and corners;
- matte, clean finish with original elasticity.