🧩 TPU-ESD – Antistatic / Conductive Thermoplastic Polyurethane
(Elastic thermoplastic material with conductive additives like carbon black or graphite, designed to drain electrostatic charges. TPU-ESD combines the toughness of standard TPU with the electrical safety required in ESD-sensitive environments.)
🔹 What is TPU-ESD
TPU-ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative TPU) is a polyurethane block copolymer doped with conductive particles that create a permanent semiconductor network throughout the material. At ReplastMD, we treat this as a high-security material. It prevents static build-up and dust attraction without the need for external coatings, all while maintaining superior flexibility and oil resistance.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Base: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).
- Additives: Carbon black, graphite, carbon fibers, or ionic compounds.
- Density: 1.15 – 1.25 g/cm³.
- Hardness (Shore A/D): 80 A – 60 D.
- Surface Resistance: 10⁶ – 10⁹ Ω (ESD) / 10³ – 10⁵ Ω (conductive).
- Operating Range: –40 °C to +110 °C.
🚗 Where TPU-ESD is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| ESD Hoses | Fuel, vapor, and sensor lines | Prevents sparks and static discharge |
| Conductive Gaskets | Sensors, connectors, pumps | Dissipates electrical charge safely |
| Housings & Covers | Electronics, ECUs, sensors | Protects circuits from ESD |
| ATEX / Safety Parts | Hoses, plugs, buffers | For explosive or flammable zones |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Compatibility | Observations |
| Hot Air | ✅ Excellent | 240 – 260 °C; uniform melt |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | ✅ Very Good | 240 – 250 °C; glossy, conductive bond |
| Manual Extrusion | ✅ Recommended | 245 – 260 °C; TPU-ESD or TPU rod |
| Ultrasonic | ⚠️ Possible | Only for thin sections |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: TPU, TPU-ESD, TPU+PA, Desmopan, Elastollan – Excellent.
- ⚠️ Partial: TPU-FR, TPU-BIO, TPU-ECO.
- ❌ Incompatible: PP, PE, PTFE, POM, PVC – no adhesion, different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: TPU-ESD welds beautifully with hot air at ≈ 250 °C. Avoid cleaning with solvents that could degrade the surface ESD layer. After welding, use a multimeter to ensure the resistance is < 10⁹ Ω between joined points.
🧠 How to Identify TPU-ESD
- Appearance: Semi-glossy or matte, usually black or dark gray.
- ReplastMD practical test: Conductive — resistance below 10⁹ Ω on a multimeter. Burns with a clean flame and a faint urethane odor.
- Common markings: >TPU-ESD<, >CONDUCTIVE TPU<, >DESMOPAN ESD<.
🛠️ TPU-ESD Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional welding for ESD hoses, sensor protectors, and ATEX components. We guarantee a uniform, conductive, and airtight joint — plastic as good as new.