Materials Guide

TPA

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Thermoplastic Alloys (TPAs) are engineered blends of different polymers designed to deliver a tailored balance of properties. By combining multiple resins, TPAs provide unique performance characteristics that a single material alone cannot achieve.

 

What is TPA?

TPAs are created by alloying two or more thermoplastics to enhance strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, or other key traits. These alloys are formulated to meet specialized requirements where traditional plastics fall short, offering design flexibility across a wide range of applications.

Common Applications

TPAs are used in industries where materials must meet demanding specifications, such as:

  • Automotive interior and exterior components
  • Industrial housings and enclosures
  • Medical device parts
  • Consumer products requiring toughness and aesthetics
  • Profiles that need both flexibility and rigidity in one solution

Fun Fact: The concept of polymer blending goes back to the 1960's when engineers began combining plastics to create "designer" materials - the foundation of today's advanced alloys,

Important Considerations

Benefits

  • Combines the strengths of multiple resins in one material
  • Enhanced toughness, flexibility, or chemical resistance
  • Versatile formulations for specific performance needs
  • Good dimensional stability
  • Cost-effective compared to many high-end engineering plastics

Limitations

  • Properties vary widely depending on blend formulation
  • Not all alloys are suited for outdoor/UV exposure
  • Higher material costs than commodity plastics
  • May require specialized processing

Custom TPA Extrusion with Engineered Profiles

At Engineered Profiles, we leverage thermoplastic alloys to engineer solutions that meet precise performance targets. From automotive trim to specialty housings, our extrusion expertise ensures TPAs are shaped into durable, high-performing profiles tailored to your application.

 

 

Download the TPA infosheet

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