With outstanding properties including high abrasion resistance, superior elasticity, waterproof performance, low-temperature toughness, heat sealability and eco-friendliness for recycling, TPU produced by Yantai Linghua New Material Co.,Ltd. is widely adopted in mid-to-high-end luggage across three core application fields: soft-case laminated fabrics, surface coating for hard-shell cases and injection-molded functional accessories.1. Soft-Shell Luggage: TPU Laminated Fabrics (Largest Consumption Segment)1.1 Base StructurePolyester or nylon oxford fabric laminated with 0.08~0.4 mm TPU film via thermal pressing, divided into polyester-based TPU and polyether-based TPU:
- Polyester TPU: High abrasion & oil resistance, great tensile and tear strength (≥8 N/cm), ideal for business check-in luggage;
- Polyether TPU: Excellent hydrolysis resistance, remains flexible down to -30°C without hardening, preferred for outdoor and long-distance travel luggage.
1.2 Key Functional Benefits
- Fully waterproof: Dense TPU barrier prevents rainwater penetration and keeps inner belongings dry;
- Scuff & abrasion resistant: Double the wear resistance of PVC, no peeling or whitening after repeated dragging on airport conveyor belts;
- Impact resilience: Recovers automatically after compression, avoiding permanent deformation during airline transit extrusion;
- Lightweight design: 25%~30% lighter than genuine leather alternatives under identical strength, matching lightweight carry-on trends.
1.3 Processing TechnologySolvent-free dry lamination under 180~220°C hot pressing, low VOC compliant with EU eco standards for luggage; available in matte, glossy and soft-touch finishes for premium luggage lines.2. Hard-Shell Luggage: TPU Film Lamination on PC Shells0.1~0.2 mm TPU film is thermally laminated onto PC/ABS hard panels to compensate inherent drawbacks of pure PC:
- Anti-scratch & shock absorption: TPU outer layer cushions drop impact and reduces surface scratch depth by over 60%;
- Anti-yellowing with UV stabilizer: Resists aging and brittleness under prolonged sunlight exposure;
- Fingerprint-proof & easy wipe-clean surface: Instant removal of oil stains and fingerprints, standard configuration for premium business hard cases.
Processing: Preheat base board followed by high-temperature hot-press lamination, widely used by top brands including RIMOWA and 90 Points.3. Injection & Extruded TPU Luggage Components3.1 Caster Tread (Most Common Accessory)
- 90~95A high-hardness polyester TPU: Heavy-duty check-in wheels, service life 4~5 times longer than TPE wheels, resistant to abrasion on gravel and airport pavements;
- 80~85A soft modified TPU: Low-noise silent casters with bearings, running noise controlled at 40~50 dB for upscale silent luggage.
3.2 Handles & Overmolded Webbing
- TPU fully overmolded webbing: Integrated TPU coating eliminates water absorption and mildew, upgraded material for hand straps and shoulder straps replacing conventional textile webbing;
- One-piece flexible TPU handgrip: High rebound strength against breakage under heavy load.
3.3 Sealing & Cushion Parts
- TPU waterproof adhesive tape for zippers: Heat-sealed to seal zipper gaps and achieve full-case waterproofing;
- Microcellular foamed TPU for corner bumpers and inner shock pads: Lightweight and high-resilience, protecting luggage corners and valuables inside;
- Shock-absorbing TPU grommets for pull rods: Reduce rattling and vibration of telescopic handles.
4. Selection Comparison: Polyester vs Polyether TPU表格
| Grade | Core Advantages | Applicable Luggage Type |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester TPU | High abrasion, oil resistance & mechanical strength | Frequent-use business check-in luggage & casters |
| Polyether TPU | Hydrolysis resistance & low-temperature flexibility | Outdoor backpack cases & luggage for high-humidity regions |
5. Pros & Cons SummaryAdvantages
- Eco-friendly: Phthalate-free and halogen-free, thermally recyclable, superior to PVC and ordinary PU leather;
- Wide climate adaptability: Stable performance from -35°C to 70°C, no deformation amid drastic temperature shifts and long-distance ocean shipping;
- Customizable formulation: Additives for antibacterial, flame retardant or antistatic grades for maternal & infant and special-purpose luggage.
DisadvantagesRaw material cost is 25%~35% higher than PVC and conventional PU, rarely used in full coverage for low-end economy luggage.6. Industry Development Trend
- Bio-based TPU (plant-oil derived): Low-carbon eco material promoted for eco-friendly product lines by international top luggage brands;
- Self-healing TPU film: Fine surface scratches repair
Media Contact
Company Name: Yantai Linghua New Material Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Phone: +86 13361376197
Address:Floor 12, Yeda Zhigu Comprehensive Center Building, No. 300 Changjiang Road, Yantai ETDZ, FTZ Yantai Area
State: Shandong
Country: China
Website: https://www.ytlinghua.com/
