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This section provides an overview for thermoplastic elastomers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 35 thermoplastic elastomer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked thermoplastic elastomer companies as of December, 2024: 1.PolymaxTPE, 2.Aurora Plastics LLC, 3.Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc..
Table of Contents
Thermoplastic elastomer is a polymeric material that exhibits rubber-like elasticity at room temperature while becoming fluid at high temperatures. Like thermoplastics, they can be easily molded when heated, making them an intermediate material between synthetic rubber and thermoplastic resin.
The elasticity of elastomers is due to the cross-linking of polymer chains, enabling them to return to their original shape. Thermoplastic elastomers are widely used due to their excellent moldability and reusability.
Thermoplastic elastomers are used in various applications due to their elasticity and moldability. They are used in household goods like mobile phone cases and kitchenware, automotive parts, power tools, and other products requiring abrasion resistance and elasticity. Their lightweight and colorability also contribute to their versatility. In the medical field, they are used in rubber gloves as they do not contain allergens found in natural and synthetic rubbers.
Thermoplastic elastomers consist of long polymer chains with hard and soft segments. The hard segments form intermolecular cross-links through hydrogen bonds, creating a mesh structure that acts as pseudo-crosslinks. Soft segments allow for elasticity due to their free movement.
In contrast to synthetic rubbers, where cross-linking is through covalent bonds, thermoplastic elastomers use hydrogen bonding for cross-linking.
The hydrogen bonds in thermoplastic elastomers break at high temperatures, dissolving the cross-linked structure and turning the material fluid. Upon cooling, the hydrogen bonds reform, restoring the cross-links and elasticity. Synthetic rubbers, on the other hand, do not regain their elasticity after heating due to permanent covalent bond dissociation.
Various types of thermoplastic elastomers include styrenics, olefins, urethanes, esters, and amides.
Styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers have polystyrene hard segments and polybutadiene soft segments, commonly used in products due to their lightweight and natural rubber-like feel.
Olefin-based (TPO) elastomers are copolymers of ethylene, propylene, and a diene component.
TPU, formed by the reaction of polyol and isocyanate, is used in textiles and some automotive parts for its high elongation and strength.
Ester-based (TPC) elastomers, comprising polyester hard segments and amorphous soft segments, are known for their high impact resistance and excellent heat, chemical, and aging resistance.
Amide-based (TPA) elastomers, containing polyester or polyether soft segments and polyamide hard segments, offer excellent abrasion and impact resistance, flexibility at low temperatures, and weather and chemical resistance.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Henkel Corporation is an American manufacturer specializing in sealants, adhesives, and coatings since its establishment as a subsidiary of German multinational company Henkel AG & Co. KGaA in 1974. Based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, the company produces various oleochemicals, surfactants, and chemical intermediates used in the production of brand name industrial adhesives, skincare, and surface treatment products. Some of these include Technomelt, Purex, Bonderite, and Loctite. Henkel Corporation is divided into separate Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care business units. The company primarily supplies the product formulation needs of clients in the consumer goods and industrial sectors.
DuPont de Nemours, Inc., commonly shortened to DuPont, is an American multinational chemical manufacturer headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, and established in 1802. The company offers adhesives and coatings for electronic components, commercial inkjet inks for printing solutions, surfacing materials and insulating foam sealants for building constructions, chromatography resins for protein purification, as well as lubricants and fluids for various electronic component applications. They also provide specialty enzymes and proteins for food production, thermal management materials, and microbial control products for industrial hygiene. DuPont serves various industries, including automotive, building and construction, energy, packaging and printing, as well as water management.
3M Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M provides diversified technology services globally. 3M operates through four segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer. The Safety and Industrial segment offerings include industrial abrasives, masking, and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. The Transportation and Electronics segment offerings include ceramic solutions, light management films, and electronics assembly solutions. The Healthcare segment offerings include wound care, dentistry and orthodontia solutions, and filtration and purification systems. The Consumer segment offerings include consumer bandages, picture hanging, and stationery products.
AGC Chemical Americas, Inc., founded in the year, based in Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of fluorochemical compounds and specialty materials. Their product portfolio includes fluoropolymer resins, enhanced materials, high-performance coating and agents, greenhouse films, and fluorinated solvents. The company is ISO-certified for fluoropolymer-based chemistry. The products are used in various industries which include aerospace, construction, electronics, transportation, energy and life sciences. The company also offers technical services which include analytical testing, thermal analysis, environmental studies, rheometry, and material identification.
Fluoro-Plastics, Inc., founded in 1951, is a manufacturer of fluoropolymer products, with its headquarters also located in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Their extensive product range includes PTFE sheets, films, rods, tubes, and custom-molded parts, as well as PTFE coatings for various substrates. These products exhibit chemical resistance, thermal stability, and electrical properties, and are utilized in industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, medical, aerospace, and electronics. The company hold ISO 9001:2015 certification for their quality management, and USP Class VI certification.
Reiloy USA, is a manufacturer of fastening tools, barrels, valves, and end caps headquartered in 53rd Street North Maize and founded in 1988. The products include screws like injection molding, custom, extrusion, and rebuilt screws made from chrome plating, nitrided, tool steel, nickel alloys, and total encapsulation. It also manufactures bimetallic, tool steel-lined, nitrided, and relined barrels. The company offers services such as upsizing & downsizing, thermoset conversion, marbleizing units, and specially designed screws.
RTP Company (RTPC) is an American private manufacturer of custom thermoplastic compounds that was established in Winona, Minnesota in 1982. The company produces various compounds for industrial applications, including conductive, anti-static, flame retardant, and high temperature resistant formulations. It also offers friction resistant and TPE compounds, as well as color solution compounds with metallic or glow-in-the-dark features. RTPC products are used in intensive industrial processes, such as structural reinforcement, chemical resistance treatment, and thermal stabilization. Its notable clients include Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Becton Dickinson.
Aurora Plastics LLC, founded in 1997, is a manufacturer of polymers, custom thermoplastics, and compounds in Jefferson St, Streetsboro, Ohio. The thermoplastic compounds include transparent TPE, CPE alloys, concentrates, low smoke zero halogen compounds, and thermoplastic components such as Olefins, elastomers, and rubbers applied in aerospace, marine, furniture, electrical, and recreation industries. Wind Point Partners and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan acquired the company in 2016. The company is ISO 9001:2015, with other manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, Texas, Canada, and Indiana.
Eclipse Engineering., is a manufacturer and supplier of seals and bearing components established in 1999 and based in Main St Unit B, Erie, CO. The products include backup rings, spring-energized seals, wear rings, o-ring-energized seals, and rotary lip seals using materials like Thermoplastic, nylon, composite, acetal, and elastomer. The company serves the oil & gas, industrial, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries. The company is employee-held and offers a limited warranty for the products.
Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc., founded in 1993, is a manufacturer of Thermoplastic Elastomers(TPE) and research-driven specialty alloy solutions with a facility in Broadview, Chicago, Illinois. The product line has StarFlex, DynaStar, StarBond, StarDrip, and StarClear categories for application in injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding in the medical, leisure, pet products, power tools, house applications, and food & beverage industries. It also produces polymer modifiers, TPE alloys, and gassed-up TPE to replace TPVs.
PolymaxTPE, based on Grove Avenue in Waukegan, Illinois, is a thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) product manufacturer, founded in 2013. The TPE products are available in various materials for bonding performance to additional substrates, including Nylon, Propionate, PE, ABS, and Co-polyester. The components are used in extrusion operations, including two-shot injection molding, insert molding and over-molding. The company serves the packaging, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors. It provides services including mold flow analysis, part design consultancy, Instron testing, TPE sustainability, and whole capillary initiative projects.
APSX LLC, established in 2006 and headquartered in Blue Ash, Ohio, is a manufacturer of advanced production solutions. The company mainly specializes in producing plastic injection machines, CNC machines, molds, machine parts, and motor control accessories, in which their products are employed in the low-volume production of plastic and metal parts as well as in prototype and testing processes. APSX's offerings enable efficient manufacturing processes, quality end products, and improved automation capabilities.
Polycast Industries, Inc. (PI) is an American manufacturer of general-purpose as well as specialty epoxies established in 1990 and based in Bay Shore, New York. The company produces various epoxies, urethanes, and silicones for use in bonding, casting, encapsulating, and mold making. They also offer contract and private label manufacturing to customers with unique product specifications. PI products are primarily used by client manufacturers and OEMs in the electronics, telecommunications, automotives, and medical device markets.
ARCO Silicone is a division of Alliance Rubber Company, and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, as a custom manufacturer of industrial silicone products since 1923. The company offers various products such as silicone rubber pressure pads, foam silicone, fluorosilicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and natural rubber materials. These products are suitable for business, food or military applications, and are designed to meet specific needs. The company's products are FDA approved and meet the ASTM and UL standards.
Ames Rubber Manufacturing was established in 1954 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The company is a full-service domestic manufacturer of custom rubber products with production facilities in Southern California and Southeastern Tennessee. The company primarily serves the aerospace, agriculture, furniture, and power transmission industries. The company provides a range of standard and custom. Products in large and small quantities include O-rings, grommets, bellows, and seals. The company provides custom services including assistance in product development and material selection, component life extension, and tooling options.
Koster is a manufacturer of moisture and oil remediation products for concrete flooring systems established in 1992 and located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. USA. The company offers cementitious underlayments for floor leveling operations or radiant floor heating systems, and moisture vapor control systems for protecting flooring adhesive from rising moisture vapor. It also offers waterproofing products for masonry and concrete block substrates. The company’s products are mainly used by clients in the construction and engineering industries.
Victrex, established in 1993, and headquartered in Thornton-Cleveleys, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer, specializing in polymer solutions. The company has provided PEEK and PAEK polymers, which are thermoplastic products that exhibit mechanical strength, high heat resistance, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. They manufacture PEEK-based products such as pipes, films, fibers, coatings, and composites. The company also manufactures medical devices for advanced patient care and supports the adoption of thermoplastic composites in multiple industries such as six key markets: aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, engineering, and medical industries.
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., established in 1911 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier in the energy and chemicals sector. The company offers a wide range of products, including petroleum, lubricants, petrochemicals, and more. These products play a critical role in fueling industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and construction. Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. also provides quality, eco-friendly solutions. They aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, ensuring a great future for both their customers and the planet.
Ensinger, founded in 1966 in Germany as solely a manufacturer of plastics for commercial customers, has grown to manufacture performance and engineering thermoplastics for numerous industries worldwide. The company's products include plastic compounds, extruded semi-finished products, injection-molded finished parts, as well as compressed and cast-formed parts. Ensinger serves the plant engineering, building construction, automotive, aerospace, medical, and food markets, among many other industries. The company has over 30 international production and sales locations, serving customers across the globe.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation was founded in 1933 and has a head office in Tokyo, Japan. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation provides products including chemicals, industrial gases, and health care products to customers globally. Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s performance products division manufactures and distributes. functional food materials, electronic and electrical components, specialty chemicals, and other products. Mitsubishi Chemical health care products include pharmaceuticals, drug discovery solutions, diagnostic reagents, and instruments for medical use. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation also provides other services such as engineering, information systems, logistics, and consulting.
Trelleborg AB, a company founded in 1905 and headquartered in Trelleborg, Sweden, is a manufacturer that provides solutions for extreme cold, heat, pressure, or the tremendous power of nature. The company offers a wide range of products, including Cassette Seal CSL 1500, Pneumatic seals, O-rings, and more. It also has a shop called Seals-Shop that offers various products, such as Rod and Piston Seals. It provides rubber wear liners with synthetic rubber and chemical resistance. It has received the Excellence in Quality 2018 Award and Certificate of Merit from Hyster-Yale Group. It serves various industries, including Aerospace, Agriculture, and more.
Kraton Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty polymers and biobased chemicals established in 2009 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA. The company primarily produces specialty polymers such as fully fluorinated perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) for electronics or automotive components, and styrenic block copolymers such as unhydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (USBS) for use in adhesives or coatings. It also offers custom formulation services for unique client projects. The company’s products are commonly used in road construction, tire manufacturing, and adhesives development.
Greene Tweed & Co., established in 1863 in the United States, is a global manufacturer of custom engineered materials and components for demanding applications. The company’s products, designed to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, chemical corrosion, and mechanical wear, are used in industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, energy, defense, life sciences, and industrial operations. With over 200 engineers across North America, Europe, and Asia, it is continually researching and developing new thermoplastic plastics, composites, and custom parts. Its strength lies in its technical expertise and commercial experience, which it leverages to develop advanced solutions that optimize the performance of its customers’ equipment.
Esprix Technologies is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of specialty chemicals founded in 1992 in Sarasota, Florida, USA. The company produces specially formulated chemicals used in a wide range of industries. These include pharmaceutical intermediates for drug synthesis, microparticles used in cosmetics, and acrylate oligomers for adhesives. The company serves various clients in research and development, metal fabrication, and textiles. Some of its notable customers include major corporations such as L’Oreal, Pfizer, and Boeing.
Celanese is an American manufacturer of chemicals and specialty materials. The company was originally founded in 1918 as the American Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company before its rebrand in 1927. Based in Irving, Texas, the company produces natural polymers such as cellulose acetate and intermediate chemicals like acetyl chain, as well as food ingredients including sorbates and engineered materials comprising of Riteflex® thermoplastic polyester elastomers. These are utilized in the industrial processes of various sectors, including food and beverages, and energy production. Celanese has served several large corporations operating internationally, including the Coca-Cola Company, Shell Plc, and the L’Oreal cosmetics company.
Nylatech, Inc. is a manufacturer of Type 6 and 6/12 cast nylon products and parts established in 1995 and located in Everson, Washington, USA. The company specializes in parts fabricated from cast nylon and other thermoplastics, such as tods, rubes, and sheets. These are designed to provide a low coefficient of friction, high chemical resistance, and high load-bearing capacity. It also offers custom machined or molded parts and components for unique projects. The company mainly serves clients in the medical and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Teknor Apex is a polymer manufacturer that delivers essential products spanning bottles, boots, dashboards, and earbuds. Since its establishment in 1924, the company has emerged as a preferred source for tailored polymer solutions, showcasing expertise across six distinct divisions and nearly a century of operational history. Standing out with its unparalleled material testing and quality control capabilities, the company propels advancement through its team and state-of-the-art laboratories. As a privately held entity guided by unwavering ethical principles, it places substantial emphasis on fostering customer relationships.
Avient Corporation, formerly known as PolyOne Corporation, is a global manufacturer of specialized polymer materials, established in 2000, is headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio, the United States. The company's products include thermoplastic compounds, plastic colorants and additives, thermoplastic resins, vinyl resins, and specialty thermoset composite materials. Its operations span across specialty engineered materials, color and additive systems, advanced composites and polymer distribution. It is also embarking on a procurement transformation for its indirect procurement purchases and upgrading from its current procurement platform to Coupa.
Eastman Chemical was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemicals, including coatings, adhesives, fibers, and plastics for industries such as automotive, medical, manufacturing, and construction. The company operates through four segments: Additives & Functional Products, Advanced Materials, Chemical Intermediates, and Fibers segments. Additives & Functional Products include food and fertilizer-based products. Advanced Materials include films and other chemicals used in transportation and electronics. Chemicals include phthalate plasticizers and other plastic products. Fibers include cigarette filters and other products.
Port Plastics, an American company established in 1961 and based in the City of Industry, California, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial plastic solutions. The company offers a range of products including PI polyimide grades, polycarbonate materials, and polypropylene sheets and rods. These products find application in various industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and the food and beverage industry. The company provides services including technical support and customized products based on the customers’ needs and requirements.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PolymaxTPE |
10.7%
|
| 2 | Aurora Plastics LLC |
6.1%
|
| 3 | Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc. |
6.1%
|
| 4 | Reiloy USA |
5.9%
|
| 5 | RTP Company |
5.1%
|
| 6 | Polycast Industries, Inc. |
5.1%
|
| 7 | DuPont. |
4.3%
|
| 8 | APSX LLC. |
3.8%
|
| 9 | Henkel Corporation |
3.8%
|
| 10 | Teknor Apex |
3.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the thermoplastic elastomer page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
16 | 76.2% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 14.3% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 4.8% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 4.8% |
12 products found
12 products
Altechno Co., Ltd.
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Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Standard Response
■What is Jelly Cast? ・Jelly cast is a material that uses styrene as a base (the same material as CD cases, disposable hawks, spoons, etc.), melts ...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Hiraizumi Yoko Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Standard Response
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are polymers that combine the flexibility of rubber with the processability of plastics. It can change shape by hea...
Kosho Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
■Why Kuraray Plastics' elastomer <Arneston®> continues to be chosen ・Excellent rubber elasticity ・Hardness can be adjusted freely ·lightweight ・...
