Material Guide
Choosing Between TPU PES PA And Polyolefin
Four polymer families cover almost every thermoplastic hot melt job. The difference is elasticity, bonding strength, wash resistance and which plastics the adhesive will hold. This page groups our grades by family so you can start from the polymer rather than from the part number.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
United TPU adhesive powder is high end, combining extreme elasticity with a soft touch, leading to a transfer that will outlast the garment. TPU also has a wide heated temperature range in process.
Thermoplastic Polyester (PES)
United PES adhesives are in big demand for applications needing high bonding strength and water wash resistance. PES is recommended where elasticity is not so much required.
Thermoplastic Polyamide (PA)
United PA adhesives are designed for the highest bonding strength requirement. With an easy process and a wide application range, PA embodies an outstanding economy principle of cost.
Polyolefin
Polyolefin is a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive with superior adhesion to PP, PE and PET. It has low hardness, low temperature flexibility and a wide service temperature range, and is used in low pressure molding.
Polyolefin resin is supplied on request for low pressure molding. Email us for the grade list.
Material Guide - FAQ
TPU or PES for heat transfer printing?
TPU where extreme elasticity and a soft touch matter. PES where high bonding strength and water wash resistance matter and elasticity is less important.
When is polyamide the right choice?
Where the highest bonding strength is needed, and in low pressure molding, where PA based on natural fatty acids gives good adhesion to PA 6.6, ABS and PVC with low temperature flexibility.
What does polyolefin bond?
PP, PE and PET. It has low hardness, low temperature flexibility and a wide service temperature range.
Which form should we order?
Powder for scatter coating and heat transfer, granule for low pressure molding, and film for lamination and seamless bonding.
Still Deciding Between Two Families
Send us the substrate and the wash or service conditions and we will recommend one.