TPU-BASF Elastollan 1185A
To withstand rigorous microbial attack, constant hydrolytic exposure, and extreme sub-zero flexing down to -38°C without dynamic mechanical degradation, BASF’s Elastollan 1185A provides a premier unreinforced, polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. Boasting an ultra-dense structure with 85A Shore A hardness and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and NSF Standard 61 certifications, this high-performance grade delivers outstanding tear strength (65-105 kN/m) and exceptional DIN abrasion resistance (25 mm³ loss). Jucheng Precision, under ISO 13485 and IATF 16949 quality systems, specializes in high-precision cleanroom molding of Elastollan 1185A. Supported by our 5-axis CNC-machined S136 stainless steel molds, we control its complex elastic shrinkage (1.0%-2.0%) to deliver flash-free fluid-handling and medical components verified by Zeiss CMM.
BASF Elastollan 1185A Polyether TPU Mechanical & Purity Profile
Elastollan® 1185A is an unreinforced, polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) engineered by BASF, formulated to provide ultimate hydrolytic stability, exceptional low-temperature flexibility, and high resistance to microbes:
| Physical & Elastic Parameter | BASF Elastollan 1185A Spec | Molding & End-Use Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Fungus & Hydrolysis Resistance | Inherent Polyether-based Backing | Resists long-term degradation from water exposure, humidity, and dynamic microbial attacks. Ideal for hot-water tubing and medical devices. |
| Tear & Abrasion Strength | Tear Strength 65-105 kN/m / DIN Loss 25 mm³ | Provides ultimate energy absorption and wear resistance, preventing tear propagation in high-speed, dynamic industrial seals. |
| Regulatory Compliance | FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 & NSF 61 Certified | Meets food and municipal water contact safety standards, ensuring zero toxic leaching in dynamic domestic plumbing. |
Biocompatible and Fluidic Process Configurations for Elastollan 1185A
With its outstanding chemical inertness and low-temperature elastic recovery, Elastollan 1185A is highly suitable for clean, dynamic seals:
| Molding Technology Class | Process Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| NSF-61 Potable Water Seals | Excellent. Fully optimized for high-volume municipal plumbing manifolds, faucet seals, water meter connectors, and chemical hoses. |
| FDA Food-Contact Plugs & Fittings | Excellent. Low chemical leaching under high humidity. Ideal for kitchen food-contact container gaskets and dispenser seals. |
| ISO 13485 Medical Dampers | Good. Biocompatible elastomer provides shock-proof isolation, ideal for medical device monitor bezels and surgical grips. |
TPU-BASF Elastollan 1185A Tooling & Process Optimization Guide
Molding an amorphous high-performance elastomer like Elastollan 1185A requires strict thermal boundaries and low-stress mold setups to prevent flashing:
Micron-Level Flash Control (Tooling Precision)
Because Elastollan 1185A has high flow capabilities, the molten resin can seep easily into minor mold gaps, causing parting line flash. Jucheng’s tooling division uses 5-axis CNC machines to achieve micro-tolerances, keeping mold parting clearances strictly within 0.005mm on premium S136 stainless steel mold cavity blocks.
Mold Temperature Matrix (Cooling Control)
We maintain mold temperatures at 20°C–40°C (68°F to 104°F) using pressurized water chillers. Keeping tools cold is critical to freeze the soft elastomeric phase quickly, allowing for automatic, warp-free ejection. Melt temperatures are controlled at 190°C–220°C.
Desiccant Drying Protocol (Hydrolysis Prevention)
TPU is highly hygroscopic. Moisture causes hydrolytic polymer chain cleavage, making surgical parts brittle. We dry raw material in desiccant hopper dryers at 80°C–90°C (176°F to 194°F) for 2–3 hours, keeping moisture below 0.02% before molding, protecting dynamic mechanical tensile bonds.
High Elastic Shrinkage Compensation
Like standard TPU, Elastollan 1185A exhibits high shrinkage (typically 1.0% to 2.0% depending on hardness and grade). Our tooling division scales mold cavities precisely to compensate for this shrinkage, ensuring exact dimensional results verified by Zeiss CMM.
Key Application Fields for TPU-BASF Elastollan 1185A
- Municipal Fluids & Potable Water Systems: Faucet mixing valve seals, water meter connection rings, domestic water piping gaskets, chemical-resistant hoses, and couplers.
- Automotive Engineering & Under-the-Hood (IATF 16949): High-temperature dust bellows, steering rack protective sleeves, vibration-damping grommets, and chassis oil seals.
- Medical Diagnostics & Food Service: Biocompatible fluid connector seals, food-safe storage gaskets, medical monitor dampers, and drug-delivery syringe seals.
Properties
| Density | 1.12 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Shore A, 10s) | 85 - |
| Tensile Modulus | 20.7 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at Break (Ultimate) | 35.0 - 45.0 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break | 530 - 640 % |
| Tear Strength (Graves, Die C) | 65 - 105 kN/m |
| DIN Abrasion Loss | 25 - 30 mm³ |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | -38.0 °C |
| Vicat Softening Point | 85.0 - 100.0 °C |
| Water Absorption (Saturation) | 0.8 % |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage | 1.0 - 2.0 % |
| Maximum Part Size | 800 x 600 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |