🧩 TPO+EPDM – Thermoplastic Olefin with EPDM Rubber
(Highly flexible and weldable automotive material, ideal for bumpers, spoilers, and elastic caps, with excellent impact and UV resistance)
🔹 What is TPO+EPDM
TPO+EPDM is an elastic olefinic blend composed of polypropylene (PP) and synthetic EPDM rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene) in a higher proportion than in classic TPO.
The result is a material with high elasticity, exceptional impact, UV, and temperature resistance, heavily used in bumpers, spoilers, liners, and exterior caps. Unlike simple TPO, TPO+EPDM has a softer texture and rubber-like behavior, but remains fully thermally weldable.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – 40–60 %
- EPDM (Synthetic Rubber) – 30–50 %
- PE / Olefinic additives – for thermal balance and gloss
- UV Stabilizers and antioxidants – for extended durability
- Density: 0.90–0.95 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 160–170 °C
🚗 Where TPO+EPDM is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Exterior | Bumpers, spoilers, fairings, mirror caps | Elastic, impact and UV resistant |
| Technical Interior | Flexible covers, gaskets | Soft texture, anti-noise properties |
| Aftermarket | OEM flexible parts, protections | Can be easily welded and reshaped |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 270 – 290 °C | Most efficient method |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | For flat areas |
| Manual Extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld TPO+EPDM With (Material Compatibility)
The question “what to weld TPO+EPDM with” is essential as this material is common in modern OEM bumpers. Successful welding requires compatible olefinic material – TPO, PP+EPDM, or PP-TPO.
✅ Compatible:
- TPO+EPDM ↔ TPO+EPDM – ideal combination.
- TPO+EPDM ↔ TPO / PP+EPDM / PP-TPO – very good compatibility.
- TPO+EPDM ↔ PP / PP+PE – partially compatible (superficial adhesion).
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different polarity, uneven melting.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use TPO or PP+EPDM rods at a temperature of 280 °C with a constant hot air flow. Clean the oxidized area, heat gradually, and apply light pressure for uniform fusion. For thick cracks – use a double layer or reinforcing mesh for strength.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Borealis: Daplen® EPDM
- LyondellBasell: Hostacom® PP/EPDM
- SABIC: PP-TPO-EPDM Compound
- Hyundai EP: Polytron® EPDM-TPO
- Mitsui Chemicals: Tafmer™ EPDMJaponia
- ExxonMobil: Vistalon® EPDMSUA
🧠 How to Identify TPO+EPDM
- Engraved marking: >TPO-EPDM<, >PP+EPDM<, >PP/EPDM-TD< or >PP-TPO<.
- Matte surface, slightly rubbery, soft to the touch.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell.
- Softens uniformly at 280 °C, without bubbles or smoke.
- Density below 1 g/cm³ – floats completely in water.
🛠️ TPO+EPDM Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional TPO+EPDM welding for:
- OEM bumpers, caps, fairings, and spoilers;
- aesthetic and structural restorations without loss of elasticity;
- reinforcements in deformed areas;
- perfect matte finish with original resistance and appearance.