Interior Protection Parts TPU Compound | Scratch Resistance, Low Odor, Appearance Stability
Interior Protection Parts TPU Compound
TPU compounds designed for automotive interior protection parts such as guard plates, covers, and anti-scratch components.
These parts are judged by surface durability and appearance consistency in real daily use, while also requiring low odor,
low VOC positioning (project-dependent), and stable dimensions after heat aging. This page focuses on selection and processing guidance
for injection molding and sheet forming routes used in automotive interior protection components.
For interior protection parts, customers notice scratch visibility, touch feel, and appearance drift faster than any mechanical metric.
A successful TPU compound balances scratch/abrasion resistance with surface feel, low odor, and heat-aging dimensional stability—without introducing unnecessary surface coatings (project-dependent).
A successful TPU compound balances scratch/abrasion resistance with surface feel, low odor, and heat-aging dimensional stability—without introducing unnecessary surface coatings (project-dependent).
Scratch / Mar Resistance
Stable Touch & Appearance
Low Odor / Low VOC
Heat Aging Stability
Dimensional Stability
Injection & Sheet Forming Fit
Stable Touch & Appearance
Low Odor / Low VOC
Heat Aging Stability
Dimensional Stability
Injection & Sheet Forming Fit
Typical Interior Protection Applications
- Guard plates / protective panels: high-contact areas requiring scuff and scratch resistance
- Covers and trim protection parts: surface durability plus appearance stability over time
- Anti-scratch components: parts exposed to repeated rubbing, footwear contact, or daily handling
- Sheet-formed protection elements: formed from TPU sheet where touch and surface uniformity matter (project-dependent)
Quick Grade Selection (Shortlist)
Choose “Surface Durable” when
- Scratch and abrasion resistance is the primary target
- Scuff visibility and wear-through risk are key concerns
- You need a stable injection molding window for consistent surface
Choose “Appearance & Low Odor” when
- Touch feel and appearance stability are primary evaluation points
- Low odor / low VOC positioning is important (project-dependent)
- Heat aging and dimensional stability are critical for fit and finish
Note: Final selection depends on surface texture target, hardness preference, scratch test method, odor/VOC requirement level (project-dependent), and processing route.
Key Performance Focus
Scratch & Abrasion Resistance
Designed to reduce scratch visibility and resist scuff wear. For real performance matching, share your scratch test method or acceptance criteria (project-dependent).
Touch Feel & Appearance Stability
Surface feel depends on hardness balance and texture replication. A stable formulation helps maintain gloss / haze and visual uniformity after aging (project-dependent).
Low Odor / Low VOC Positioning
Low odor targets require careful formulation and process control. Share your odor/VOC standard if needed (project-dependent) to align selection and testing.
Heat Aging & Size Retention
Heat cycling can shift stiffness and shrink behavior. We position compounds to reduce dimension drift and maintain fit after heat aging.
Dimensional Stability
For tight tolerance interior parts, stable shrink and low warpage matter as much as surface. Provide your tolerance window for better first-trial fit.
Injection & Sheet Forming Fit
Suitable for injection molding and sheet forming routes (project-dependent). Selection can be tuned for melt stability, texture replication, and forming consistency.
Common Failure Modes (Cause → Fix)
Interior protection parts typically fail through surface defects, aging drift, or odor compliance issues. Use the diagnostic table below:
| Failure Mode | Most Common Cause | Recommended Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Scratches are too visible / scuff marks remain | Surface durability insufficient or texture/hardness balance not matched to contact conditions | Move to higher scratch/abrasion positioning; align hardness and texture replication to your test method |
| Appearance drift after heat aging (gloss/haze change) | Heat aging package not stable; surface changes amplify visual difference | Upgrade heat aging stabilization; validate appearance retention under your aging method (project-dependent) |
| Odor / VOC not acceptable | Formulation and processing not aligned to low-odor target; contamination risk in molding line | Use low odor / low VOC positioning; improve process cleanliness and drying control; confirm with your standard |
| Warpage or fit mismatch after molding | Shrink and cooling not stable; internal stress too high; uneven wall thickness | Dry thoroughly; stabilize packing and cooling; optimize gate and cooling for uniform shrink |
| Surface defects (flow marks, weld lines) | Moisture, unstable melt flow, or venting issues; texture replication not consistent | Improve drying; optimize temperature/shear; adjust venting and injection speed; validate on textured tools |
| Sheet forming defects (wrinkles, uneven thickness) | Forming temperature window not matched; sheet cooling history inconsistent (project-dependent) | Align forming window; tune sheet grade positioning for thermoforming stability (project-dependent) |
If you need scratch resistance + low odor/VOC + heat aging stability + tight tolerance together, treat it as a multi-constraint project.
Use the Advanced Functional page to start a combined shortlist and validation plan.
Use the Advanced Functional page to start a combined shortlist and validation plan.
Typical Grades & Positioning
| Grade Family | Hardness | Design Focus | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPU-AUTO INT Surface Durable | 85A–98A | Scratch / abrasion resistance with stable surface durability and repeatable injection molding | Guard plates and anti-scratch parts where scuff resistance is the primary KPI |
| TPU-AUTO INT Appearance & Low Odor | 80A–95A | Stable touch/appearance + low odor/low VOC positioning + heat aging dimensional stability (project-dependent) | Visible interior covers and protection parts where odor and appearance are strict |
Note: Exact positioning should be confirmed based on texture target, odor/VOC standard (project-dependent), and processing route (injection or sheet forming).
Processing Fit: Injection Molding & Sheet Forming
1) Dry
Moisture can create surface defects and unstable shrink. Dry thoroughly to improve texture replication and dimensional repeatability.
2) Control Fill, Pack & Cooling
Stable packing and consistent cooling reduce warpage. For visible parts, balance melt temperature and shear to avoid flow marks and gloss variation.
3) Forming Window (Sheet)
For sheet forming (project-dependent), confirm forming temperature window, draw ratio, and thickness distribution requirements to avoid wrinkles and thinning.
- Surface texture: Share your surface texture target and test method for scratch evaluation (project-dependent).
- Odor/VOC control: Confirm your standard and required test conditions; processing cleanliness and drying are important for consistent results.
- Dimensional targets: Provide critical dimensions and tolerance window to prioritize shrink and warpage control positioning.
Request Samples / TDS
Contact us to receive a recommended shortlist and technical data sheets for your interior protection parts. Providing your scratch test method and odor/VOC requirement will significantly improve first-trial success.
To get a fast recommendation, send:
- Part type (guard plate / cover / anti-scratch part) and whether it is visible or hidden
- Surface target: texture/gloss expectation and scratch test method or acceptance criteria (project-dependent)
- Odor/VOC standard and test conditions (project-dependent)
- Heat aging conditions and service temperature window
- Critical dimensions and tolerance window
- Process route (injection molding or sheet forming) and constraints
