The difference between TPE and PVC
PVC is currently the most widely used material for boat rubber fender strips, but not for much longer. PVC is gradually giving way to TPE rubber.
Rubber fender strips made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) are an excellent alternative to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) strips for several reasons. Unlike PVC, TPE is more environmentally friendly, as it is recyclable and contains no harmful substances.
*Did you know that we at DG Rubber Profiles reuse our residual products for new profiles?
Want to know why TPE is growing in popularity? Read on below.
The benefits of TPE rubber?
TPE rubber fender strips offer numerous benefits and are a popular choice for various applications. TPE offers more possibilities than PVC, and it is also a big step forward for the environment. TPE also has better elastic properties, making it not only more durable but also more resistant to wear and tearing. In addition, TPE has better resistance to UV radiation and temperatures, which means it lasts longer and is less prone to discolouring, breaking or drying out.
The benefits of TPE at a glance:
Environmental friendliness,
DG Rubber Profiles’ TPE rubber fender strips are environmentally friendly rubber profiles. TPE is highly wear-resistant and stands up well to UV radiation, which means the strips last longer and do not discolour quickly. TPE also stands up well to oil, chemicals and seawater.
TPE is also fully recyclable and can be reprocessed into new products, making it an even more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
Design options,
TPE rubber profiles offer many design options. They are available in many different sizes and shapes. Whether you are looking for a sleek, modern or eye-catching design, TPE strips let you personalise any space or product and protect it from damage.
You can also choose TPE strips in many different RAL colours, so you can style your boat entirely to your own taste. DG Rubber Profiles’ fender strips are available in many different designs. Curious about the options? Take a look at our ‘Solutions for’ page.
Easy to process,
With TPE you can create products that are both flexible and strong. The material is very easy to process, both with conventional methods and with modern production techniques. Thanks to TPE’s increased elasticity, it is possible to create products with specific shapes and dimensions, such as fender strips custom-made for a specific product or space.
PVC cannot keep up with the flexibility of TPE, because this high elasticity also means TPE gives your boat better protection.
Choice of hardness,
With TPE you can choose from various hardnesses, of which 80 Shore is equivalent to the hardness of PVC. Want more protection than 80 Shore? With TPE you can easily choose a higher hardness, whereas with PVC that is soon the limit. TPE is also suitable for both low and high temperatures, from -40 °C to +80 °C.
Comfort,
TPE is a material known for its high comfort properties. Thanks to its soft and flexible nature, products made from this material are considered comfortable, especially products that come into direct contact with the skin.
With TPE you can create products that are both soft and flexible and strong and durable. This makes TPE an excellent choice for products such as fender strips, where comfort and durability are very important. TPE also absorbs vibration and noise, which adds to the comfort of this product.
Price,
Although TPE initially seems more expensive than PVC, it is ultimately a very economical and more sustainable choice. This is because TPE lasts much longer, so you need to buy new fender strips less often. TPE is also easier to process, which reduces the cost of fitting and replacement. In the long term, you will therefore save money.
Want to buy TPE rubber too? View all TPE profiles on our website. Do you have any questions about this article, or would you like to order by phone or email? You can:?: www.dgrubberprofiles.nl✉: info@dgrubberprofiles.nl?: +31 (0)32 174 40 42
