Film & Sheet Products

Aliphatic urethane is inherently light stable, resistant to ultraviolet light degradation, and provides excellent optical clarity. It is used as an optical interlayer, providing strength as a lamination adhesive in encapsulated glass and security glazing, to name a few applications. It is often a more expensive product.

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Aromatic urethane is a strong, general-purpose resin originally developed as synthetic rubber. It is generally less expensive than aliphatic urethanes, but it is susceptible to UV light degradation, which tends to yellow the polymer without affecting physical properties.

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Polyether urethane provides a softer "feel" or drape than polyester, with better moisture vapor transmission rates and superior low temperature properties. It is also inherently stable when exposed to high humidity, and polyethers are naturally more fungus resistant.

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Polyester urethane offers greater toughness (i.e. abrasion resistance, tensile/tear strength) at a given durometer than polyether. It is more resistant to fuels, and offers better aging (oxidation) resistance. However, polyester urethanes will eventually break down when exposed to conditions of high humidity.

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TPU offers a broad range of high-performance properties and characteristics, making it the material of choice for many ‘can’t fail’ applications. It is inherently strong, tough, and easy to work with, and unlike vinyl, it contains no plasticizers, so it won’t become brittle or lose its performance properties over time.

TPU compounds possess a combination of properties not available in any other thermoplastic material. When two of these properties are needed in an application, such as low temperature flexibility and soft durometer, TPU will usually outperform any other material. (View properties comparison chart)

Stevens Urethane offers a full range of thermoplastic polyurethane, including aromatic and aliphatic materials in both polyester and polyether. Film and sheet are available in thicknesses from .001" (25.4 microns) to .125" (3.177mm), and in widths from 6" (152mm). A variety of colors, opacities and surface textures are available.

Standard grades of Stevens Urethane film and sheet satisfy most application requirements. Other grades are available or can be custom compounded to meet specific application needs, including films rated for potable water contact and UL Listed flame-resistance, as well as food and medical requirements. Examples of applications already benefitting from Stevens Urethane.

Click on the appropriate Product Selector Guide for a list of products and specifications, and links to data sheets.

Aromatic Sheet

Blown Film

Flame Retardant

Email Technical Support or Tell us about your application.

Want to know more about TPU? Click here for details.

Properties and characteristics

TPU combines the best of rubber and plastic, without the weaknesses inherent in plasticized vinyl films that are subject to brittleness and other problems caused when plasticizers leach to the surface. Urethane is easy to work with, and is readily modified to suit a particular application through the addition of fillers, colors, stabilizers, and lubricants, as well as other additives.

Durometer (Hardness) Urethane film and sheet can be produced in a range of durometers (Shore A 75 - Shore D 55) from relatively stiff to a thin film having an extremely soft, non-plastic feel that is ideal for products that come in contact with the skin.
Low temperature flexibility Urethanes feature superior flexibility over a wide durometer range, even at temperatures as low as -60°F (-50°C).
Tensile strength Tensile strength ranges from 4,000 to 10,000 psi, assuring reliability and durability over the life span of the end product. Because urethanes are tough, they can be used in thinner gauges when compared to vinyl.
Elongation TPU film and sheet can elongate as much as 800% and return to its original dimension without significant loss of "memory."
Abrasion resistance Polyurethane provides excellent abrasion resistance. In profile form it is tough enough for conveyor drive belts and protective sheaves for elevator cables and pulleys.
Chemical and environmental resistance Polyether and polyester urethanes each have specific chemical resistance characteristics, such as resistance to hydrocarbons, chemicals, ozone, bacteria, fungus, and moisture, as well as skin oils. They provide durability and long life in harsh industrial environments.
Fabrication versatility Urethane can be fabricated in many ways with many different substrates, enhancing design versatility. Sheet can be fabricated with urethane tubing to provide the benefits of urethane to an entire product system, such as in linked bladder applications.

Stevens Urethane can be:
Cut
Sewn
Adhesive bonded
Laminated
Vacuum formed
Radio frequency (RF) sealed
Thermally bonded to itself or other materials
Printed or silk-screened