Thermoplastic Olefin

Using TPO for Custom Plastic Products and Parts

In order to provide our customers with high-quality, durable plastic products that meet their exact specifications, we have to take utmost care to select the ideal materials for the task. One of the materials we use frequently in both thermoforming and injection molding is thermoplastic olefin, also known as TPO.

What Is Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)?

Thermoplastic olefin is a blend of either high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) or polypropylene (PP), rubber and a reinforcing filler - often calcium carbonate, carbon fiber, or talc. This blend of materials creates a strong, highly durable thermoplastic that can be customized with improved scratch-resistance and impact-resistance, plus all types of paint and finishes. It is also highly resistant to solar UV radiation and extremes in temperature, making it ideal for outdoor use. We often use TPO in both injection molding and thermoforming projects.

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Thermoforming

Thermoplastic olefin thermoforming is the act of taking heated sheets of TPO and fitting them around a custom-designed tool and using an external method of force to fit the plastic against the tool to create a desired shape. There are three main types we use as a thermoplastic olefin manufacturing company:

Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming is the most basic method in which heated TPO is fitted to a tool, and a high-powered vacuum suctions the air from between the plastic and tool, creating a tight fit and a more accurate shape. This method works well for large pieces that don’t require sharp corners or high levels of detail.

Pressure Forming

Pressure forming is a more precise method of shaping large sheets of plastic for getting the sharp edges and detail you can’t get from vacuum forming alone. The heated plastic is fitted to a tool and is then blasted with highly pressurized air to fit it against the tool and getting a custom shape.

Twin-Sheet Forming

Twin sheet forming is the most complex type of thermoplastic olefin thermoforming, in which two sheets of plastic are heated at the same time against two tools, then fit together to create a product. This method is often used for double-walled and hollow industrial products, including chutes, air ducts, and pallets.

Thermoplastic Olefin Injection Molding

Thermoplastic olefin injection molding occurs when TPO is melted down into a liquid state and, using a high-pressure injection tool, forced into a designed, double-sided mold. Often used for parts and products that are smaller and require high levels of detail, injection molding is precise way to ensure high-volume orders are identical.

What Is Thermoplastic Olefin Used For

Due to its ability to withstand extremes in both UV exposure and temperatures, combined with its impact resistance, TPO is often used in automobile manufacturing. We often use thermoplastic olefin when we are pressure-forming or vacuum-forming car bumpers and car interior trim. However, we also use it when we are manufacturing roofing used for all-terrain vehicles and golf carts. In addition to vehicles, we use TPO to manufacture household appliance parts and housings due to its heat resistance. To learn more about TPO, please visit our frequently asked questions about Thermoplastic Olefin. 

Contact Us for Thermoplastic Olefin Manufacturing

When you need a TPO manufacturer to design and manufacture custom plastics for automobiles, recreational vehicles, and so much more, contact our experts at Advanced Plastiform Inc. We work with a variety of industries, creating reliable, long-lasting plastics  for businesses in North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia.

Receive a quote on our plastic manufacturing solutions by calling us today at  919-404-2080 or filling out our easy-to-use contact form to get started.