Materials for Design

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers)

How many designers know exactly what a surface of Shore hardness 55A feels like? Or what a thermal conductivity of 0.18 W/mK means? A major problem designers face in understanding the differences between plastic materials is this abstract terminology. Plastics are named by chemists to classify a molecular structure, rather than reflect functions or uses. ‘Thermoplastic elastomers’, and the common abbreviation, TPE, doesn’t communicate that this is a hugely versatile material, full of possibilities for designers to explore. TPEs are tactile, with a great rubbery grip; they are temperature-resistant, which makes them suitable for all sorts of cooking utensils; they are shock absorbing, which adds a premium robustness ...