Ultimate FAQ Guide to TPU Hot Melt Adhesive Film

Preface: TPU  hot melt adhesive film is a widely used adhesive material in many fields. With its excellent elasticity, wear resistance, environmental protection characteristics, etc., it has gradually become the preferred adhesive solution for many industries. Whether it is textiles, footwear, electronics, automobiles and other industries, TPU hot melt adhesive film occupies an important position with its excellent physical properties and bonding effect. Here, Alster will explore in depth the 20 important guide to TPU hot melt adhesive film to provide you with a comprehensive understanding and reference (any question, feel free to contact us).

Guide to TPU Hot Melt Adhesive Film

1. Definition of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU hot melt adhesive film is an adhesive film based on thermoplastic polyurethane (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). It is able to melt after heating and form a strong bonding effect after cooling. Compared with traditional glue bonding, TPU hot melt adhesive film has the advantages of easy operation, environmental protection, and no solvent residue. Its bonding process is reversible, allowing adjustment or re-bonding by reheating. Therefore, it is suitable for a variety of materials such as textiles, plastics, metals, and wood.

2. Classification of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU hot melt adhesive film can be classified according to different melting points and uses. It is usually divided into three categories: low temperature, medium temperature and high temperature. Low temperature films can melt at lower temperatures and are suitable for temperature-sensitive materials such as thin textiles and leather; medium temperature films are suitable for general plastic and metal bonding; high temperature films are used for applications that require high temperature resistance, such as automotive parts. Different film types meet the different needs of various industries for bonding performance.

3. Production process of TPU hot melt adhesive film

The production process of TPU hot melt adhesive film includes batching, melting, extrusion, stretching film and cooling and shaping. First, the polyurethane particles are heated and melted, and a uniform film is formed through an extruder, then stretched to the desired thickness, and finally shaped during the cooling process. The key to this process is to control the temperature and speed to ensure the uniformity and stability of the film. In addition, films with different properties can be customized by adding different additives or colorants, such as UV resistance, enhanced flexibility or increased transparency.

4. TPU hot melt adhesive film thickness selection

The thickness of TPU hot melt adhesive film usually ranges from 0.03mm to 1mm, and films of different thicknesses are suitable for different applications. Thinner films are usually used for products that require weight and softness, such as sportswear and medical dressings, while thicker films are suitable for applications that require strong adhesion and durability, such as bonding of soles, leather and decorative materials. Choosing the right thickness can not only ensure the bonding effect, but also effectively control material costs and product performance.

TPU Hot Melt Adhesive Film Guide high temperature hot melt adhesive film

5. Melting point of TPU hot melt adhesive film

The melting point range of TPU hot melt adhesive film is usually between 60℃ and 180℃. The high and low melting point directly affects the use occasion and bonding effect of the film. For temperature-sensitive materials, such as textiles or plastics, low melting point films can avoid heat damage to the materials; while products working in high temperature environments, such as automotive interiors or industrial equipment, require high melting point TPU films to ensure their heat resistance and durability. Therefore, choosing the right melting point is the key to ensuring the bonding effect and product quality of TPU hot melt adhesive film.

6. Elasticity and flexibility of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU materials are known for their excellent elasticity and flexibility, and TPU hot melt adhesive films also have these characteristics. It can stretch and deform significantly when subjected to force without breaking or losing its stickiness. This property makes TPU hot melt adhesive film perform well in sportswear, footwear and other products that require high flexibility. For example, in footwear applications, the bonding of the sole to the upper must not only be strong, but also withstand bending and stretching during walking and running, which is exactly the strength of TPU film.

7. Wear resistance of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU materials are widely used in situations that require high durability due to their excellent wear resistance. The wear resistance of TPU hot melt adhesive film enables it to maintain good adhesion and physical properties during long-term use, especially under conditions of frictional contact with other materials. For example, the bonding of sports shoe soles requires this wear resistance to ensure that it will not debond or break after long-term use. In addition, wear resistance also makes TPU hot melt adhesive film an ideal bonding material for leather products and industrial equipment.

8. Water resistance of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU hot melt adhesive film has excellent water resistance, and its bonding performance will not be affected by long-term exposure to humid or underwater environments. This makes TPU hot melt adhesive film an ideal choice for products such as waterproof clothing, swimwear, and outdoor equipment. For example, outdoor sportswear often requires waterproof treatment, and the waterproof performance of TPU hot melt adhesive film can ensure that the clothing remains dry in a humid environment. At the same time, its application in underwater equipment, such as diving suits and underwater detection equipment, has also been widely recognized.

9. Breathability of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU hot melt adhesive film has better breathability than traditional hot melt adhesive film, which is especially important for products such as underwear, sportswear, and medical supplies that need to maintain air circulation. TPU film with good breathability can effectively prevent the wearer from feeling stuffy and improve comfort. For example, in sportswear, TPU hot melt adhesive film can be used in seamless splicing technology, so that the clothing not only has a high-strength bonding effect, but also allows sweat to be quickly discharged, keeping the body dry and providing a better wearing experience.

10. Environmental protection of TPU hot melt adhesive film

With the increase in environmental awareness, TPU hot melt adhesive film has attracted much attention due to its environmental protection characteristics. Unlike traditional adhesives, TPU hot melt adhesive film does not contain harmful substances such as solvents and formaldehyde during production and use, and does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, it can be recycled during the production process to reduce waste generation. These characteristics make it widely used in children’s products, medical devices, and environmentally friendly textiles in markets with strict environmental regulations, such as the European Union and North America.

11. Anti-yellowing property of TPU hot melt adhesive film

When exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet rays for a long time, many materials are prone to yellowing, affecting the appearance quality. TPU hot melt adhesive film has good anti-yellowing property by adding anti-ultraviolet ingredients, and can maintain its transparency and beauty even under long-term sunlight. Therefore, TPU hot melt adhesive film is very popular in outdoor applications, such as outdoor tents, protective clothing, and open-air billboards, which need to be exposed to sunlight for a long time.

12. Chemical resistance of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU hot melt adhesive film has good tolerance to a variety of chemicals, such as oils, acids, alkalis, solvents, etc. This feature makes it widely used in industries with frequent contact with chemicals, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing. For example, seals and chemical protective clothing in the automotive industry need to withstand various chemical corrosion, and TPU hot melt adhesive film can ensure the bonding effect in these harsh environments. In addition, in the medical industry, TPU film is also widely used for bonding medical devices that need to be resistant to disinfectant corrosion.

TPU hot melt adhesive film roll

13. Transparency of TPU hot melt adhesive film

TPU hot melt adhesive film has good transparency and can be completely transparent, which has unique advantages in some fields with high requirements for appearance. Transparent TPU film is widely used in screen protectors for electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets, as well as transparent coatings in automobiles and home decoration. In addition, in some special applications, such as waterproof clothing and transparent shoe materials, the transparent properties of TPU film not only enhance the appearance of the product, but also provide excellent protection.

14. Application of TPU hot melt adhesive film in the textile industry

In the textile industry, TPU hot melt adhesive film has been widely used in seamless splicing, bonding and other fields. It can replace traditional sewing processes to achieve seamless, soft and comfortable bonding effects, especially in close-fitting clothing such as sportswear and underwear, the elasticity and breathability of TPU film add added value to the product. In addition, the application of TPU hot melt adhesive film in clothing also includes waterproof zippers, bonding of shoe materials, etc., making it one of the indispensable materials in the textile industry.

15. Application of TPU hot melt adhesive film in the footwear industry

The footwear industry is one of the important application areas of TPU hot melt adhesive film. Especially for high-intensity footwear such as sports shoes and hiking shoes, the wear resistance, elasticity and waterproofness of TPU film provide excellent bonding effect for footwear products. For example, the bonding of soles and uppers often requires high-intensity bonding and flexibility. TPU hot melt adhesive film performs well in these aspects and effectively prevents the debonding problem between soles and uppers. In addition, TPU hot melt adhesive film can also be used in the manufacture of insoles, providing additional comfort and support, and increasing the durability and comfort of shoes.

16. Application of TPU hot melt adhesive film in electronic products

In the field of electronic products, TPU hot melt adhesive film is mainly used for bonding protective films, screen protective films and encapsulation of electronic components. Its excellent transparency and flexibility make it perform well in protecting screens and sensitive electronic components. TPU film can effectively prevent scratches, stains and other external damage while maintaining good touch response and visual effects. In addition, TPU film can also be used in battery packaging to provide additional insulation protection to prevent external factors from affecting battery performance.

17. Processing and construction methods of TPU hot melt adhesive film

The processing and construction methods of TPU hot melt adhesive film include hot pressing, heat transfer, laser cutting, etc. Hot pressing is the most commonly used construction method, which bonds the TPU film to the target material by heating and applying pressure. Heat transfer is to transfer the TPU film to the surface of the fabric by heating to achieve the application of patterns and colors. Laser cutting technology can be used to accurately cut TPU film to meet the needs of different shapes and sizes. These processing methods not only improve production efficiency, but also ensure the accuracy and quality of the product.

18. Application cases of TPU hot melt adhesive film

The application cases of TPU hot melt adhesive film in many fields include seamless splicing of sports shoes, lamination of automotive interiors, waterproof layer of medical devices, etc. A typical application case is that sports shoe manufacturers use TPU film to achieve seamless bonding between the upper and the sole, which not only improves the comfort of the shoes, but also reduces the wear of the seams. In addition, TPU film is used as a waterproof and dustproof layer in automotive interiors, and in the medical field, it is used to make waterproof and breathable medical dressings and protective films. These practical applications demonstrate the wide applicability and superior performance of TPU hot melt adhesive film in different industries.

19. Storage and maintenance of TPU hot melt adhesive film

There are several key points to note in the storage and maintenance of TPU hot melt adhesive film. First, TPU film should be stored in a dry and cool environment, avoiding direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent material aging and performance degradation. Second, avoid exposing the film to high temperatures or corrosive gases, which may affect the film’s bonding performance and physical properties. During use, ensure that the film surface is free of dust and impurities to ensure the stability of the bonding effect. In addition, regular inspection of storage conditions and material status can extend the service life of TPU hot melt adhesive film and maintain its excellent performance.

FAQ Guide TPU Hot Melt Adhesive Film

20. Future Development Trends of TPU Hot Melt Adhesive Film

With the development of science and technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, the future development trends of TPU hot melt adhesive film include higher performance requirements, wider application fields and more environmental innovations. For example, in the future, higher performance TPU hot melt adhesive film may appear, with stronger temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, to meet the needs of extreme conditions in the industrial field. 

At the same time, progress in environmental protection will also promote the development of recyclable and biodegradable technologies of TPU film and reduce the impact on the environment. In addition, with the development of intelligent manufacturing and automation technology, the production process of TPU hot melt adhesive film will also be more efficient and intelligent, providing users with a better product experience.

TPU hot melt adhesive film has become an indispensable material in modern industrial and consumer products due to its excellent performance and wide application scenarios. By understanding its definition, classification, production process, performance characteristics and future development trends, you can better apply and select TPU hot melt adhesive film to meet the needs of different fields. With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, TPU hot melt adhesive film will continue to play its important role and provide efficient and environmentally friendly bonding solutions for various applications. 

If you want to know more about the TPU hot melt adhesive film and other hot melt adhesive film, welcome to contact Alster for details! Our professional product manager will contact you soon! 

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