Is TPU webbing better than PVC coated webbing?

There are three main materials for the outer coated layer of coated webbing: TPU, silicone and PVC. Now in the market, PVC coated webbing is the most popular because of the lower cost and soft hand-feeling. Though we all know that PVC is the unfriendly material to either environment or human health. So TPU coated webbing and silicone one replace the PVC one partly. Then some ask is TPU better than PVC?

Each material has its advantage and shortage. No except to TPU or PVC material. Generally speaking, TPU material is relatively better. Here's how they compare:

1. Hardness: The hardness of TPU is usually between Shore00-80A, while that of PVC is usually between Shore00-90A. Each type of plastic material owns its hardness range. Large range of hardness makes the material be used in more fields. Both TPU and PVC owns the large range of hardness, so these two materials are widely used in our daily life.

2. Wear resistance: The wear resistance of TPU material is better than that of PVC material. For peel-strength, TPU coated webbing is better than PVC. This refers to the better integration performance of TPU and polyester webbing.

3. High/low temperature resistance: TPU material can maintain stable properties between -30~120°C, while the working temperature range of PVC material is usually between -15~50°C.

4. Oil resistance: The oil resistance of TPU material is better than that of PVC material.

5. Environmental protection degree: TPU material has very good environmental protection and safety performance, and does not contain prohibited admixtures such as plasticizers and phthalates, while PVC material has environmental protection problems.

6. Odor: The smell of TPU material is lighter than that of PVC material. Especially when they burned or cut by laser machine, we can find bad smell from PVC one.

7. Anti-aging: For the performance of age resistance, TPU is better than PVC. In the natural indoor environment, TPU is generally three times durable than PVC. When in the outdoor environment, TPU can be six times durable than PVC.

To sum up, although TPU and PVC materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, PVC will be in low price while TPU is in higher price. But TPU actually owns better performance than PVC. Whether TPU or PVC to choose depends on customers’ requirement.