ETPU (Infinergy®)
E-TPU for lightweight & shock-absorbing moulded parts.
E-TPU combines low weight with resilience, shock absorption and high abrasion resistance. For moulded parts that absorb movement and reliably return to their original shape.
Infinergy® is a BASF brand name for expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU).
180–300
g/l potential moulded part density
−20 / +80 °C
Temperature range*
2D + 3D
Moulded parts and geometries
Sheet · Block
Semi-finished products for projects
What makes E-TPU special
Material properties for optimum performance.
A material for structures in which lightness does not come at the expense of strength and comfort.
01 / DYNAMICS
Rebound elasticity
Rebound and elasticity for continuous loads and moving moulded parts.
02 / PROTECTION
Steaming
Absorb impact and vibration energy without adding unnecessary weight.
03 / DURATION
Withstand
Abrasion-resistant and dimensionally stable, even where components are subject to constant stress.
04 / FORM
Design
Custom colours, densities and geometries to meet specific product requirements.
Which particle foam is right for your application?
E-TPU, EPP or EPS?
It’s the difference that counts.
The three materials have different properties and strengths. This comparison provides an initial guide. The specific choice depends on the technical requirements, the moulded part and the application.
| Property | E-TPU / Infinergy® | EPP | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticity & resilience | |||
| Cushioning, energy absorption & shock absorption | |||
| Lightweight | |||
| Continuous load capacity | |||
| Typical applications | Elastic moulded parts, dampers, comfort | Robust moulded parts, load-bearing components, HVAC | Packaging, insulation, protection |
| Typical supply forms | Semi-finished products and moulded parts | Moulded parts | Moulded parts and cut-to-size pieces |
For guidance only; not a technical approval. Values and suitability depend on material grade, density, geometry and test conditions.
From material to application
E-TPU for engineering applications.
Four areas of application, one common objective: lightweight, elastic, durable, energy-absorbing and shock-absorbing, even under continuous stress.
01 / AUTOMOTIVE
Absorbing, storing and releasing energy
Spring elements, seals, gear lever handles, vibration damping and decoupling.
02 / HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK
Absorbing and dampening loads
Insole inserts, shock-absorbing mats, protective pads, knee and joint protection, work and sports shoes, sports flooring.
03 / SPORT & LEISURE
Comfort when walking and standing
Saddles, tyres, padel rackets, tennis rackets, foam rollers and balls.
04 / MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Absorbing dynamic loads
Vibration dampers for industrial machinery and plant, as well as cut-to-size blocks, plates and sheets designed for continuous loads.
05 / TYRES & WHEELS
Absorbing impacts safely
Lightweight, shock-absorbing tyres and wheels with high abrasion resistance for heavy-duty applications.
06 / PROSTHETICS
Move easily and comfortably
Lightweight, dimensionally stable and shock-absorbing components for prostheses and orthopaedic applications.
What Schaumaplast supplies
Customised and with no tooling costs.
Schaumaplast manufactures customised blocks, sheets and skins from E-TPU. These cut-to-size pieces are suitable, for example, as vibration dampers for industrial machinery and plant.
smaller dimensions available to order
* Specific values and manufacturing limits depend on the material grade, geometry and test conditions.
Technical questions
E-TPU in the project: the most important questions.
The FAQs bring together the questions that first arise during material selection and development.
What is E-TPU?
E-TPU stands for expanded thermoplastic polyurethane. This elastic particulate foam is suitable for lightweight, shock-absorbing and resilient moulded parts.
What are the properties of E-TPU?
eTPU is characterised by a combination of technical material properties that make it an attractive option for a range of industries:
- low weight
- high elasticity
- good resilience
- abrasion-resistant surface
- shock-absorbing properties
- resistance to repeated stress
- suitable for use across a wide temperature range
- can be moulded into customised parts and components
Under laboratory conditions, eTPU can achieve a rebound elasticity of over 68 per cent. The specific material properties depend on the component geometry, density, processing, application and test conditions.
What is the difference between E-TPU and Infinergy®?
Infinergy® is a BASF brand name for E-TPU. The specific design of a moulded part depends, amongst other things, on the material grade, density, geometry and application.
What is E-TPU used for?
E-TPU is used, amongst other things, in sports and leisure products, occupational health and safety, automotive components, mechanical engineering, vehicle manufacturing, and orthopaedic and rehabilitation applications.
- Saddles
- Tyres
- Padel tennis rackets
- Stirrups for equestrian sports
- Insole inserts for safety footwear
- Cushioning mats
- Knee and joint protection
- Spring elements
- Drive elements
- Vibration damping/decoupling
- Components in prostheses
Is E-TPU suitable for tyres and wheels?
Yes. E-TPU is suitable for tyres and wheels when a lightweight, shock-absorbing and durable material solution is required. Tyres and wheels made from E-TPU can absorb rough surfaces and strong impacts, thereby helping to provide shock absorption. Compared with pneumatic tyres, E-TPU can also result in a lower weight. Even at elevated temperatures – for example, caused by hot tarmac or heat generated during braking – E-TPU tyres and wheels can be used up to a temperature of around +80 °C, depending on their design.
Can E-TPU be dyed?
Yes, E-TPU moulded parts can be coloured to suit specific projects. This allows components to be visually distinguished from one another or adapted to a desired colour scheme.
What delivery options does Schaumaplast offer?
Schaumaplast supplies E-TPU in the form of sheets, blocks and skins, amongst other things, as well as custom-moulded parts for specific projects. The available dimensions and specifications are assessed on the basis of the enquiry.
Which E-TPU semi-finished products does Schaumaplast offer without tooling costs?
Schaumaplast offers, amongst other things, E-TPU blocks, E-TPU sheets, E-TPU balls and E-TPU skins. The available dimensions depend on the specification and project requirements.
Can Schaumaplast develop bespoke solutions?
Yes. To provide a technical assessment, please provide details of the application, load, installation space, required density, geometry and form of delivery.