TPV
JIS K6418 · GB GB/T 20028
TPV is a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer in which crosslinked EPDM rubber particles are dispersed in a polypropylene matrix, covered by GB/T 20028 and JIS K6418.
Reference datasheet — TPV is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the A73 condition
TPV grades and fills
TPV is supplied in 12 conditions, soft to hard. A73 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 12 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Foamable / low-density extrusion grade | Pick the chemically or gas-foamed extrusion grade at 0.55 density for lightweight sponge window seals with low closing force, accepting 2.5 MPa tensile and 220 % elongation. | 3 | 220 | 10 Shore D | |
Shore A 35 | Pick the ultra-soft Shore A35 grade for low closing-force sealing lips, soft-touch overmolds and low-pressure seals; 2.6 MPa tensile with service to 110 °C. | 3 | 300 | 35 Shore A | |
Shore A 55 | Choose Shore A55 for soft seals and vibration-damping parts that need compliance together with tear strength; 4.1 MPa tensile and 115 °C service temperature. | 4 | 380 | 55 Shore A | |
Overmolding / bondable soft-touch grade | Choose the bondable soft-touch grade for two-shot overmolding — self-adhering to PP and, when modified, to PA or PC-ABS — trading tensile down to 5 MPa for adhesion to the rigid substrate. | 5 | 400 | 16 Shore D | |
Shore A 64 | Use Shore A64 as the mid-hardness choice for automotive weatherstrip bodies and gaskets; 5.6 MPa tensile, 400 % elongation and service to 120 °C. | 6 | 400 | 18 Shore D | |
Flame-retardant TPV, halogen-free UL 94 V-0 | Choose the halogen-free UL 94 V-0 compound for cable jacketing and rail or appliance seals; the flame-retardant loading raises density to 1.12 and cuts elongation to 300 % and service temp to 110 °C. | 7 | 300 | 28 Shore D | |
Conductive / antistatic TPV | Use the carbon-black or CNT-filled conductive version for static-dissipative seal strips, roller covers and grounding elements; the filler limits tensile to 7 MPa and elongation to 250 %. | 7 | 250 | 28 Shore D | |
A73Default Shore A 73 | Pick as the baseline hardness for seals, grommets and overmolded grips — Shore A 73 balances 8.4 MPa tensile, 450 % elongation and sealing compliance with the widest processing window. | 8 | 450 | 73 Shore A | |
Oil-resistant TPV | Use the NBR-based oil-resistant type instead of the EPDM-based one for seals and boots contacting mineral oil, fuel or grease, accepting a lower 100 °C maximum service temperature. | 9 | 320 | 28 Shore D | |
Shore A 87 | Choose Shore A 87 when seals, boots and snap-fit elastic parts need higher stiffness, wear and extrusion resistance; 12.5 MPa tensile comes at the cost of softness and sealing compliance. | 13 | 530 | 34 Shore D | |
Shore D 40 | Use this semi-rigid Shore D 40 (≈ Shore A 92) level for CVJ boots, bellows and stiff seal carriers, where 0.12 GPa modulus and 18 MPa tensile matter more than low closing force. | 18 | 600 | 40 Shore D | |
Shore D 50 | Pick the hardest commercial level, Shore D 50 with 24 MPa tensile and 0.25 GPa modulus, for impact-resistant rigid parts, paint-free bumper inserts and hard substrates in hard/soft coextrusion. | 24 | 550 | 50 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways TPV is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
MED | Medical / food-contact grade | Certification |
UV | UV-stabilized / weatherable grade | Grade option |
What is TPV?
TPV is a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer in which crosslinked EPDM rubber particles are dispersed in a polypropylene matrix, covered by GB/T 20028 and JIS K6418. It gives thermoset-rubber-like elasticity and compression set with thermoplastic processability, so it replaces cured EPDM in seals that are injection moulded, extruded or two-shot overmoulded onto PP. Typical unfilled stock is 0.97 g/cm3 with 8.4 MPa tensile strength, 450 % elongation, about 0.015 GPa modulus and service to 120 °C; grades run from Shore A35 to D50 plus UV, FR-V0, oil, medical, ESD and foam versions. Softness limits machining (score 25) and load-bearing use; where higher strength and fatigue life are needed, move to TPC. TPV has a density of 0.97 g/cm³ (0.035 lb/in³), lighter than 73% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -55°C (-67 °F). TPV has a tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.22 ksi), weaker than 80% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 450% and the elastic modulus is 0.02 GPa (0.0022 Msi).
What is TPV used for?
- automotive weatherseals
- glass run channels
- soft grips
- appliance gaskets
- plumbing seals
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 91% of polymer grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 450%, better than 88% of polymer grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 90/100, better than 82% of polymer grades
- Readily welded — 75/100, better than 82% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 93% of polymer grades
- Hard to polish — 25/100, worse than 90% of polymer grades
- High mold shrinkage — 2%, worse than 81% of polymer grades
- Low stiffness — 0.02 GPa (0.0022 Msi), worse than 77% of polymer grades
TPV properties
Typical room-temperature values for TPV-A73; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
TPV has a density of 0.97 g/cm³ (0.035 lb/in³), lighter than 73% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -55°C (-67 °F).
Mechanical11
TPV has a tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.22 ksi), weaker than 80% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 450% and the elastic modulus is 0.02 GPa (0.0022 Msi).
Thermal10
TPV is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 0.22 W/m·K (0.127 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 60% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 180 µm/m·K (100 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
TPV is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 25 kV/mm (635 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (90/100), better than 82% of polymer grades. UV resistance is excellent.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of TPV takes about 92 MJ of energy and emits 3.4 kg of CO₂ — less than 74% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
TPV's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 93% of polymer grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. TPV is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with TPV
Is TPV easy to machine?
Soft and tacky: use sharp single-edge tools, waterjet, or cryogenic (dry ice / liquid nitrogen) trimming. Die-cutting requires keen edges to avoid torn flanks.
Can TPV be welded?
Hot-plate, infrared, hot-gas and, for harder grades, ultrasonic welding all work. It self-bonds to PP in co-extrusion and two-shot moulding; bonding to PA or PC-ABS needs a dedicated bonding grade or mechanical interlock.
Can TPV be formed, bent or molded?
Injection mould at 190-230 °C melt and 20-60 °C tool, with 80 °C drying for 2-3 h before processing. Shrinkage is anisotropic at 1.2-3 %; viscosity drops sharply under high shear, which suits thin-wall fast fill. Extrusion needs a 30:1 L/D screw and rapid water-bath sizing.
TPV chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| polypropylene (PP matrix)continuous phase, sets melting point and processability | 25 – 45 | 32 |
| EPDM rubber (dynamically vulcanized)crosslinked rubber domains, 1-5 um | 30 – 55 | 42 |
| paraffinic extender oilplasticizer, lowers hardness | 10 – 30 | 20 |
| curative (phenolic resin or Si-H/Pt syst | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
| clay / talc / CaCO3 filler | 0 – 12 | 3 |
| antioxidant, UV stabilizer, pigment (car | 0.5 – 3 | 1.5 |
What surface finishes work on TPV?
The surface is a matte rubber texture that is coloured with masterbatch. Not platable; flame or plasma treat before painting or printing. Laser marking works, using a white laser additive on black parts.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to TPV in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- GB (China)
- GB/T 20028
- JIS
- K6418
How much does TPV cost?
TPV is a premium-cost polymer ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
TPV — frequently asked
What is TPV used for?
TPV is typically used for automotive weatherseals, glass run channels, soft grips, appliance gaskets and plumbing seals. In short: EPDM replacement, reprocessable; best compression set in TPE family; self-bonds to polypropylene.
What is the tensile strength of TPV?
TPV has a typical tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.22 ksi) — weaker than 80% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 12 listed tempers.
Is TPV easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 93% of polymer grades). Soft and tacky: use sharp single-edge tools, waterjet, or cryogenic (dry ice / liquid nitrogen) trimming. Die-cutting requires keen edges to avoid torn flanks.
Can TPV be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Hot-plate, infrared, hot-gas and, for harder grades, ultrasonic welding all work. It self-bonds to PP in co-extrusion and two-shot moulding; bonding to PA or PC-ABS needs a dedicated bonding grade or mechanical interlock.
What surface finishes work on TPV?
The surface is a matte rubber texture that is coloured with masterbatch. Not platable; flame or plasma treat before painting or printing. Laser marking works, using a white laser additive on black parts.
Can TPV be formed, bent or molded?
Injection mould at 190-230 °C melt and 20-60 °C tool, with 80 °C drying for 2-3 h before processing. Shrinkage is anisotropic at 1.2-3 %; viscosity drops sharply under high shear, which suits thin-wall fast fill. Extrusion needs a 30:1 L/D screw and rapid water-bath sizing.
What is the maximum service temperature of TPV?
TPV is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F), and briefly to 145°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does TPV cost?
TPV is a premium-cost polymer ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ISO 18064 Thermoplastic elastomers — Nomenclature and abbreviated terms — ISO (2014)
- JIS K6418 Thermoplastic rubbers — Nomenclature and abbreviations — JSA (2007)
- ASTM D6821 / D412 / D395 / D624 test methods for TPV physical properties — ASTM (2021)
- Santoprene TPV 101 / 103 series product data sheets and processing guide — Celanese (ex-ExxonMobil) (2023)
- CAMPUS / UL Prospector TPE-V datasets — CWFG / UL (2024)
- Handbook of Thermoplastic Elastomers (Drobny) — dynamic vulcanization chapter — Elsevier (2014)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.