What is a TPU case and how to choose it. Thermopolyurethane (TPU, TPU, thermoplastic polyurethane) What is a transparent silicone case

Before deciding which is better, a plastic or silicone case, let’s try to understand their features.

Plastic and silicone: characteristics of cases

Plastic cases, made of glossy or matte plastic, are inexpensive. The design of the covers is very diverse - colors, textures, patterns. Those who wish can even. Accessories made of matte rubberized plastic (soft-touch) do not slip out of your hands and are pleasant to the touch.
Flaws. Plastic cases are quite fragile and can break when the gadget is dropped, as well as when the case is put on or removed from it. Since the plastic case is quite hard, dust and dirt can accumulate under it.
Silicone cases fit tightly to the phone, are soft, and pleasant to hold in your hands. The material of the case creates friction, so the likelihood that the gadget will slip out of your hands is very small. Thanks to the shock-absorbing properties of silicone, the phone is well protected when dropped.
Flaws. Silicone covers are quite thick, over time they stretch, get wiped out, and greasy stains appear on them. Accessories made from cheap silicone can emit an unpleasant odor. Compared to plastic cases, the design of silicone cases is more uniform.

TPU silicone is something new

If you come across the abbreviation “TPU” in the model name of a silicone case, you should know that this is a case made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

This material is a combination of the best properties of plastic and silicone:

due to the high strength of the material, TPU silicone does not suffer from scuffs and scratches;
insensitive to external influences: does not fade in the sun, remains flexible at high and low temperatures;
very elastic and bend-resistant material: the covers do not tear or stretch, are easy to remove and put on, and last at least 5 years;
the damping properties of the material allow the case to play the role of a kind of airbag when the phone falls;
Due to the antistatic properties of the material, dust does not accumulate on the cover.

It is impossible to choose the “optimal” case

In this review, we tried to talk about the pros and cons of plastic and silicone cases. We cannot say that a plastic case is better than a silicone one or vice versa, since everyone has their own requirements for an accessory: protection, design, quality of material, cost. Decide what is more important to you, and you can easily choose the right clothes for your gadget.

Probably no one today can be surprised by such a phrase as TPU material. What this is, however, not everyone knows. Where is it used? What features does it have? How to distinguish thermoplastic polyurethane from injection molding? Despite the external similarity, their operational parameters and consumer properties are completely different.

TPU material - what is it?

So, more details. TPU material - what is it? What signs does it have? In fact, it is not difficult to distinguish it. First of all, the material has low residual deformation, which allows products made from it to be used as seals. Secondly, TPU can be recycled, saving on raw materials. Thirdly, the material is completely free of catalysts. Fourthly, it has a long service life. In addition, the material is resistant to abrasion, microorganisms and hydrolysis.

In principle, these qualities are also inherent in polyurethanes obtained by traditional methods. However, only TPU can be processed on equipment designed for the production of ordinary plastics - machines, lines and devices called injection molding machines.

When did it all start?

And now a little history. When did TPU material appear? What reasons influenced its occurrence? It all started, according to historians, back in 1865. An unusual announcement was made by a billiard ball company. Ten thousand US dollars were promised to anyone who found a material that could replace ivory. In 1869, John Hiatt decided to use nitrocellulose. He managed to achieve excellent quality and properties, after which he decided to found his own company. From that moment on, the rapid development of injection molding machines and the materials produced with them began. Today, this industry has achieved incredible heights.

TPU production

What is the manufacturing process? TPU material - what is it in production? Let's start with raw materials. The production of TPU requires granules obtained from previously reacted polyurethane components. Of course, initially they had properties that made it possible to synthesize the material. These same granules are poured into the hopper of the injection molding machine. Then they are fed through a screw into the heating zone. After this, the plastic mass can be injected into a mold under pressure (for the manufacture of complex parts) or extruded, that is, squeezed out through a die - a hole of a specific configuration (for the manufacture of simple parts, such as bars, strips, sheets).

Advantages

In short, the combination of the chemical properties of TPU together with their processing methods allows us to obtain materials with simply excellent physical parameters. One of the main ones, for example, is high heat resistance. For most products made from TPU, the onset of softening temperature is 120-140 degrees Celsius. In this case, the cooled material completely restores all its parameters. While ordinary polyurethanes cannot be restored after such a temperature.

The possibility of recycling the material was also mentioned above. Unusable parts are crushed and sent there.

A significant advantage is high wear resistance. Thus, the product can serve as excellent protection. The material is also resistant to ultraviolet radiation. In general, all these advantages make it possible to obtain magnificent products with remarkable qualities. Cases for Samsung, Nokia and other phones are made from this material, for example. These products are especially popular today. However, no matter what product you choose, you will definitely be satisfied.

Thermoplastic polyurethane is one of the materials from which protective accessories for electronic devices are made. In its structure, TPU is most similar to silicone, but these two materials have some differences between each other. First of all, it is worth noting the inherent resistance to temperature changes and increased frost resistance inherent in thermoplastic polyurethane.

Everyone knows that the influence of low temperatures negatively affects the operation of an electronic device. However, a smartphone or Internet tablet, encased in a TPU case for Samsung Galaxy S9, is protected from the effects of frost - it will not “slow down”, and its internal microcircuits will process information in a timely manner. In addition, it is worth noting the special treatment of thermopolyurethane covers to increase resistance to harmful ultraviolet rays and dirt. It does not contain harmful or toxic substances.

Thermoplastic polyurethane is a material that can be given any shape

Typically TPU cases are made in the form factor "eg case for Xiaomi Mi 8» - can simultaneously serve as an overlay. However, frames for “book” cases and outer coverings for powerful multi-layer cases are often made from this wonderful material:

Corner inserts for purely protective polycarbonate accessories or bumpers for hybrid cases

Any case or bumper made of thermopolyurethane does not interfere with the comfortable operation of the smartphone or tablet for which it is intended. TPU accessories have precisely made and neatly located holes for access to ports and connectors, the device’s camera, speakers and side keys.

In some cases, the device keys are protected by plugs integrated into the case. This is done to prevent dirt, dust and water from getting into the side keys. The most important property of any case is to protect the electronic device from damage. Due to the fact that thermopolyurethane perfectly absorbs the effects of an impact on a hard surface, a TPU case will effectively protect the electronic device for which the case is intended from damage to the case and internal chips.

In fact, no other material has such powerful protection for the device from the consequences of falls. Thermoplastic polyurethane covers are inexpensive to produce, and therefore the final cost of such a cover is not too high. This means that everyone will be able to purchase a TPU case and protect their smartphone or tablet from external influences without much damage to their budget. The design of thermoplastic polyurethane covers is designed primarily for young people and people leading an active lifestyle. Thermopolyurethane protective accessories are distinguished by a variety of colors - from transparent covers to bright ones, decorated with a beautiful pattern or design.

How to distinguish an original TPU case from a fake

Thermoplastic polyurethane- This is a material that is not subject to deformation and is resistant to tearing. A real thermopolyurethane cover can be wrinkled, bent at different angles - no cracks or creases should appear on it, and when straightened it remains the same as it was. Also, pay attention to the edges of the accessory and the cutouts for connectors and speakers. In a high-quality TPU case, all cutouts, sides and edges are smooth, without deformed or melted parts. The most common and popular covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane:

TPU Duotone - inexpensive but effective case for smartphones

The TPU Duotone case has two textures. The smooth texture is very pleasant to the hands, and thanks to the ribbed texture, the smartphone will not fall out of your hands and will not slide on various horizontal surfaces. Also, reinforced ribbed inserts protect the body parts and internal components of the device that are critical to falls.

ROCK Texture series is a prime example of a hybrid protective case

Case ROCK Texture series It has a stylish appearance and original design. The bumper is made of thermoplastic polyurethane - a protective frame around the edge of the smartphone. The back cover is made of hardened polycarbonate - an impact-resistant analogue of plastic. The TPU bumper protects the device keys from dust, dirt and moisture.

To summarize, we can say that with a high-quality thermopolyurethane case, or with a protective accessory with TPU inserts, the performance of your electronic device will increase significantly!

Products mentioned in the review

Combining the benefits of a traditional silicone soft case and a hard crystal (plastic) case, IPAKYCASE has put them together to create a new clear soft rubber case. The soft, clear rubber case has the high visual clarity of hard plastic cases and combines the flexibility and durability of silicone cases. Each case has a unique pattern and a wide range of colors. More importantly, the case allows you to enjoy peace of mind because your phone is completely protected from the harsh realities of everyday use, while looking great at the same time. Each case has been individually designed to provide easy access to all of your phone's ports and buttons.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Made from thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), which is a class of plastic with many useful properties, such as elasticity, clarity, resistance to grease, scuffs and abrasions. TPU is commonly used in the sporting goods industry.
High elasticity with very good tensile strength properties. Excellent abrasion resistance. Much better than silicone. This material can also be found in the back of trucks and on escalator handrails! - High visual transparency with a unique pattern on each phone model and a large selection of colors.
Durable and flexible - can be freely bent, compressed, and the case will always remain in excellent condition. Very good tensile strength. Excellent mechanical properties combined with rubber-like elasticity - Slim, elegant design.
The ideal defender. Resistant to grease, scuffs, scratches, abrasions and dust.
Odorless material. Our clear rubber cases do not have the plastic, silicone scent found on most cases.
Perfect hold. TPU cases will give you an extra sense of protection, preventing your phone from slipping out of your hands. BUT our cases are not sticky like most silicone cases and thus will not collect dust and debris from your pocket or bag like silicone cases do.
Excellent fit. Smart and rational design ensures that cases are fully compatible with a specific phone model, thereby providing full access to all buttons, ports and connectors of the phone.

Imagine this situation: you are talking on the phone at a bus stop, then a passer-by accidentally brushes your shoulder, causing your phone to fly onto the asphalt and receive further damage, or even break. Not the best deal? Now imagine that you decide to throw your smartphone along with the keys to your apartment in one pocket, and then you discover new scratches on the “back” and “sides”. Few people will be happy with such “surprises,” so let’s try to protect ourselves from such disastrous outcomes. This article will help you reliably protect your device with the help of special accessories. Let's figure it out: which case is better - silicone or plastic, rubber or plastic?

Choosing the best model - basic criteria and characteristics

Any owner of a modern smartphone often puzzles himself with the question of which case is better - plastic or silicone? Let's try to understand what their differences are, and which case is still better to choose to protect your mobile device.

The case should have a list of useful properties:

Protecting your smartphone from mechanical influences;
Complete exclusion of contamination;
Reliable phone screen protection;
Providing easy access to control buttons and connectors;
Design.

Protection

Both plastic and silicone cases provide excellent protection, as they perfectly absorb and soften shocks, while reliably protecting the display of your mobile device.

What is more resistant to mechanical damage?

Plastic is stronger and tougher than silicone. It is not prone to cracks and tolerates temperature effects well. Plastic tolerates paint well and holds it for a long time. Cases made of this material fit perfectly in the hand, practically without increasing the size of the device. The soft coating will prevent the smartphone from sliding inside the case, which will save it from scratches and abrasions.
Silicone is a soft and flexible material. Cases made of this material are easy to put on your smartphone and do not scratch the surface. Such covers do not tear, do not fade, and withstand even greater temperature changes compared to plastic. The phone inside will not slide.

Important! If you tried to stick the film on the screen yourself and it didn’t work out very well, use our tips.

Design

The thickness of the cover can be determined based on individual preferences. It is not difficult to find ultra-thin plastic and silicone cases on the market, made in a large number of variations:

It’s not difficult to decorate plastic covers with anything.
The design and color options for silicone cases are less extensive.

Important! Based on the properties of the material, it can be understood that silicone cases are slightly inferior to plastic ones in strength, durability and design solutions. But still, when choosing, it is better to rely on individual preferences.

Have you decided yet? There's no need to rush. You need to know absolutely all the advantages and disadvantages in order to make the most intelligent choice about which case is better - silicone or plastic.

Silicone cases

They are made of impact-resistant material that absorbs the fall and protects the insides and outer case, the bumper of the smartphone from mechanical damage.

Advantages:

Budgeting. Models made from this material are very popular due to their low price. No one forbids you to buy several different shells and change them at least every day, because this will not hit your pocket so hard.
Silicone perfectly protects the device from shock.
Big choice. You can find an overlay with almost any image or order a model with your own image.
Environmental friendliness. Before production, hundreds of raw materials are tested for toxicity and safety.

Flaws:

Sometimes they tend to stretch and deform.
Such cases will not protect the screen itself.
The tenacity of the material will make it difficult to remove the phone from your pocket.

Important! If you have chosen a transparent version of the protective case, you first need to put your gadget in order. We will show you some simple ways...

Plastic case

Polycarbonate has good resistance to impacts, premature wear and scratches. Cases are often made in a wide variety of shapes, which adds “interest” to the design. Let's consider other properties to understand which case is better - silicone or plastic.

Advantages:

Variety of design styles. A huge selection of different cases with interesting designs and brands.
Scratches are not a problem for this material. Sharp objects will not be able to damage the back panel and side walls of the phone.
Acceptable price. The ratio of quality and price makes such pads a desirable purchase.
Exploitation. They are easy to use because they have all the necessary holes and do not interfere with the functionality of the mobile device. Does not require the purchase of expensive care products.

Flaws:

Mediocre fall protection. The plastic shell itself can crack if dropped, without protecting your device.
Does not provide full screen protection.
Makes the phone bulky.

TPU silicone is something new

The abbreviation “TPU” in the name of a silicone model means that this is a case made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

Polyurethane m The material combines the best properties of silicone and plastic:

The high strength of the protective cover material eliminates the risk of acquiring new abrasions and scratches.
TPU cover p indifferent to the sharpest temperature changes and does not fade when exposed to sunlight.
Cases made of TPU silicone are resistant to any kind of deformation and can be placed on the device without any problems. This cover can last at least 5 years.
The phone will not end badly due to the damping properties of the material ( thermopolyurethane).
Does not accumulate dust.

Important! If you often listen to music or online books on the go, lead a healthy lifestyle and run, you need a good headset. On the pages of our portal you will find practical advice on how to...

It is impossible to choose the best option

What is better - a silicone case or a plastic one? It cannot be denied that plastic and silicone cases have their pros and cons, which we discussed above. It is impossible to objectively say that plastic is better than silicone, or vice versa. But to ensure that your gadget has a design that pleases you, even the simplest model can be decorated. Find out,