Tough, Durable Thermoplastic Polyurethane Scores Big In Athletic Equipment

TPU’s Winning Formula: It’s Strong, Versatile, And Easy To Fabricate

Easthampton, MA — The toughness and durability of Stevens Urethane make it ideal for a wide variety of athletic equipment applications. It is used in bladders for balls and bicycle helmets, in fabric laminated products such as SCUBA buoyancy compensators, and even as a scuff-resistant layer for the bottom of inflatable pontoon-style boats. Thermoplastic polyurethane's (TPU) tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and ease of fabrication provide these and other athletic equipment with long lasting, superior performance.

Bladders

Air bladders used in balls, helmets, footwear and other equipment must be tough and durable, and maintain their integrity despite being repeatedly kicked, hit, compressed and flexed. In addition to this physical abuse, such equipment must also withstand environmental punishment, including temperature extremes and moisture. TPU gives these bladders the necessary tensile and burst strength, along with the elasticity and flexibility needed to "roll with the punches." TPU has excellent flex fatigue resistance, retains its properties in extreme heat and cold, and stands up to the most challenging conditions. Because it is free of plasticizers, TPU ensures reliable performance over a long working life.

Another important benefit realized with TPU is the ease with which it can be fabricated. TPU is very easy to work with, simplifying production and minimizing costs. It can be fabricated in many ways: die-cut, radio frequency sealed and thermally bonded, vacuum formed, heat laminated, and adhesive bonded to itself or other materials. It can also be printed or silk-screened.

TPU air bladders are commonly used in footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls, and to customize the fit of bicycle helmets, hockey skates, and athletic footwear. Gel-filled bladders are used for orthopedic and cushioning shoe inserts.

Another sports-related application reaping the benefits of TPU is a compression dressing which circulates cold water to an athlete's injured joints. This product not only relies on a TPU bladder to contain and circulate the fluids, but many types also use TPU laminated to fabric for a comfortable covering which remains flexible at very low temperatures.

Laminations

TPU's toughness and durability make it an ideal material to laminate to different fabrics, a combination found in a wide variety of sporting goods applications. Depending on the needs of the application, a thin layer of Stevens Urethane film provides strength, abrasion resistance, and weatherproofing, and also serves as a versatile adhesive to bond many different materials.

Laminations in SCUBA buoyancy compensators rely on Stevens Urethane for its abrasion and flex fatigue resistance. TPU laminations also make it easier to design a waterproof system, essential for SCUBA gear and other applications. Because the TPU/fabric lamination can be dielectrically sealed rather than sewn, it is a virtually "seamless" construction. Sewing, on the other hand, results in needle holes and seams which must then be sealed with a waterproof coating.

In addition, some protective equipment like football helmet pads useTPU as an adhesive between a layer of fabric and the foam padding to provide a tough outer covering. Laminations are also used for iron-on numbering decals or patches.

TPU laminations are also frequently used for camping equipment. TPU is water repellent yet breathable, and it lends protection, durability and waterproofing to tent fabrics and backpacks, as well as utility rainwear. Some inflatable camping mattresses feature a cushioning layer of foam, which is bonded to the nylon/fabric mattress with TPU. These mattresses are typically rolled up and stuffed into backpacks with other equipment, and still must remain reliably inflated on uneven and often rocky ground. TPU provides strength and durability, and a reliable adhesive to keep the mattress layers securely bonded and free of air leaking pin-holes.

TPU Versatility Encompasses Many Design Possibilities

TPU is an extremely versatile material which offers a wide range of design options. Its ease of fabrication, durability, strength, flex resistance, and other high performance properties make it ideal for the rugged demands of sports and recreational products. Used for bladders or in lamination, as sheet stock or tubing, or any combination of these, TPU provides an easy to use material to support a wide range of designs.

Stevens Urethane is ideal for any high performance and critical "can't fail" application. Film and sheet can be manufactured in thicknesses from .001-in. to .125-in., and is one of the few companies in the world to offer widths up to 80-in. Stevens Urethane is available in durometers from 75 to 95 Shore A, and in a range of standard and custom colors, opacities and surface textures. It can be custom formulated to meet specific application requirements.

Stevens Urethane offers a full range of high-performance urethanes for use in a wide variety of "can't fail" applications for the consumer, medical, commercial, and industrial markets. Stevens Urethane is the only company in the world that offers urethane in blown film, extruded sheet, tubing, cord, and profile form.

For additional information, contact: Stevens Urethane, 412 Main Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Phone: (413) 533-8100, or toll free at 1-877-TPU-FILM (1-877-878-3456). FAX: (413) 552-1195. E-mail: info@stvure.com. Stevens Urethane is a business unit of JPS Elastomerics.