What is PU CPU TPU

Q: What is PU? CPU? TPU? A:
Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer material with several desirable physical structures, including rigid and soft elastomers, thin coating layers, bonding layers, and rigid and soft foams. Polyurethane is produced by the condensation reaction of isocyanates and polyols, and the chemical composition and properties of polyurethane can vary widely and be highly customizable by reacting with varied structures and species of isocyanates and polyols. The versatility in chemical structures and physical properties makes PU useful in producing many products, including textile coatings, wood adhesives, construction sealants, elastomeric cushions, shoe soles, forklift tires, rollers, insulation foams, and more.
 
PU can be divided into two types: thermoset PU and thermoplastic PU.

What is CPU material?

CPU material, also known as Casting PU Resin, involves liquid thermoset PU resin undergoing cross-linking chemical reactions and heating to solidify and shape. This chemistry results in a molecular mesh structure that offers excellent physical properties but cannot be easily recycled or reverse-manufactured after forming. Casting PU resin is often called CPU in the industry and is used to produce high-precision thermoset products such as rollers, parts, squeegees, and tires. Liquid PU resin is mixed and cast into a mold and allowed to cure, resulting in the desired outcome.

What is TPU material?

Thermoplastic PU (TPU) is a linear polymer material that can be shaped using varied conventional plastic molding methods such as injection molding and extrusion. TPU has shorter processing times and higher molding efficiency than CPU, and the final product can be easily recycled and reprocessed. TPU is often used to produce products with high requirements, such as sports shoes, functional films, hoses, and transmission belts. TPU can be designed in various shapes and sizes according to different requirements.
 
Overall, CPU and TPU are both polyurethane (PU) materials that can produce products with different features depending on the processing method and conditions. PU generally has good elasticity and wear resistance, CPU elastomer has higher physical properties, and TPU elastomer is easy to process. Understanding the differences between these materials can help select the appropriate material for specific manufacturing needs, making it an essential consideration for companies looking to create high-quality products while minimizing environmental impact.
 

Here is a comparison chart of CPU and TPU

Polyurethane  (PU)
Thermoset PU	Thermoplastic PU
Cross-linking Chemistry	Heat-melting & cooling
Network structure polymer	Linear structure polymer
Suitable for casting production	Suitable for extrusion, injection, film blowing, and calendering
Excellent physical properties	Excellent production efficiency
Casting PU is also known as CPU	Known as TPU

 
Link to TPUCO products:
Casting Polyurethane Resin:
https://www.taiwanpu.com/en/product/Casting-CPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer Granules:
https://www.taiwanpu.com/en/product/TPU-Granules