TPU for Drone Propeller Guards and Landing Gear
A polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer compound optimized for injection-molded drone propeller guards, bumper rings, flexible landing gear, and vibration-absorbing motor damping rings.
Key Features
- ✓Shore 85–95A and 400–600% elongation — flexes on impact and springs back, preventing single-use breakage of prop guards
- ✓Abrasion resistance DIN 53516 30–60 mm³ — withstands repeated ground dragging and vegetation scraping on agricultural drones
- ✓Operating range -40°C to +100°C — prop guards remain flexible in Arctic winter conditions
- ✓FDM 3D printing compatible for rapid custom guard prototyping alongside injection molding
- ✓Bonds to PA, PC, and ABS with flexible adhesives for multi-material protective assemblies
- ✓UV-stabilized grades available for outdoor fixed-wing observation drone installations
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.20–1.25 g/cm³ |
| Shore A hardness | 85–95A (ISO 868) |
| Tensile strength | 35–50 MPa (ISO 37) |
| Base polymer type | Polyester-based TPU |
| Chemical resistance | Good to oils, fuels, dilute acids/alkalis |
| Elongation at break | 400–600% (ISO 37) |
| Processing temperature | 190–220°C |
| Operating temperature range | -40°C to +100°C |
| Abrasion resistance (DIN 53516) | 30–60 mm³ |
| Tear resistance (ASTM D624 Die C) | 120–160 kN/m |
FAQ
For propeller guards (prop cage rings), Shore 85–90A strikes the best balance — soft enough to flex on prop-strike or obstacle contact without fracturing, yet stiff enough to maintain cage geometry under flight aerodynamic forces. For landing gear pads and skid feet, Shore 90–95A is preferred — the higher hardness prevents excessive compression under the drone's landing weight and maintains landing gear height consistency for GNSS sensor clearance. For motor vibration damping grommets, Shore 40–60A (a softer TPU or TPE grade) provides better vibration isolation at the cost of mechanical rigidity — optimal frequency attenuation depends on motor speed and grommet geometry.