Plastics distributor Ultrapolymers (Lommel / Belgium; www.ultrapolymers.com) has expanded its TPU product portfolio, and is now also distributing parent company Ravago’s (Arendonk / Belgium; www.ravago.com) extrusion grades throughout Europe, in addition to their existing "Ravathane" injection moulding grades (see Plasteurope.com of 17.11.2017). Both product families are available as polyester- and polyether-based grades, in a wide range of hardness, making them suitable for many different applications such as cables, tubes and pipes, as well as profiles for windows and furniture, transportation logistics and general mechanical engineering. Reportedly, the thermoplastic polyurethanes are resistant to abrasion, oils and greases.

While the polyester types score particularly high when it comes to tensile and tear strength, the polyethers are characterised by a high flexibility under low temperatures as well as good hydrolysis resistance. According to the manufacturer, all Ravathane TPUs can be easily dyed and are suitable for applications at a service temperature range from -50 ˚C to +100 ˚C.

Currently, Ultrapolymers' portfolio of new Ravathane extrusion grades includes the polyester-based 140 and polyether-based 240 series, each with different degrees of hardness.