Views: 45 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-14 Origin: Site
E - TPU, commonly known as "popcorn material", is a granular material obtained by supercritical bead foaming of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). It is widely used in scenarios requiring high - elasticity and shock absorption, such as sports footwear, running tracks, pet toys, automobiles, and household items.
In the early days, E - TPU granules were mainly processed into products using adhesive technology. However, due to environmental and performance issues, this method was gradually replaced by steam molding. Subsequently, Huafeng Group innovatively developed a microwave molding process, which significantly shortens the molding time and reduces energy consumption.
BASF is a pioneer in E - TPU materials. Its newly introduced hot - press molding process achieves molding through heating and pressing without the need for steam. The molding temperature is usually between 100°C and 150°C. The main process involves filling dry E - TPU granules into the corresponding mold, then heating and pressing, and obtaining the molded part after cooling, providing flexibility and efficiency in the production process.
Hot - Press Molding Process Flow
1. The bead drying system dries the E - TPU granules.
2. At the E - TPU quantitative material preparation and mold filling station, the dry E - TPU granules are filled into the corresponding molds such as shoe sole molds.
3. The servo - controlled mold operator can automatically transfer the mold from the heating station to the cooling station.
4. The material filling station and the subsequent mold - closing station complete the mold - closing operation.
5. The mold is sent to the heating station, heated up, and the hot - pressing time ranges from 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the part.
6. After heating, the mold is sent to the cooling station, cooled down to below 50°C, and the molded part is taken out.
