air-sole air max blow molding TPU shoe material[/caption]# DKB-6TD TPU Shoe Air-Sole Cushion Extrusion Blow Molding Machine
## Advanced TPU Air Cushion Blow Molding Solution for Sports Footwear Applications
The **DKB-6TD TPU Shoe Air-Sole Cushion Extrusion Blow Molding Machine** is specially developed for manufacturing **TPU air cushions, air soles, and shock-absorbing footwear components**.
Using advanced **extrusion blow molding technology**, the machine produces lightweight, elastic, and durable TPU air cushions widely used in high-performance sports shoes, including applications similar to **Nike Air Sole and Air Max style cushioning systems**.
The DKB-6TD provides a complete solution for TPU footwear component manufacturers requiring:
* High elasticity
* Excellent impact resistance
* Stable air pressure retention
* Lightweight construction
* Consistent product quality
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# TPU Air Cushion Technology
An air-cushioned shoe sole contains an internal air chamber located between the upper and lower sole structures.
During walking or sports activities, the TPU air cushion provides:
* Shock absorption
* Energy return
* Foot support
* Improved wearing comfort
* Reduced impact force on joints
The air chamber structure allows the sole to absorb impact and provide better cushioning performance compared with traditional solid rubber soles.
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# Why Use TPU Material for Air Cushion Production?
**Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)** combines the advantages of rubber elasticity and plastic processing capability.
TPU features:
* High tensile strength
* High elongation
* Excellent rebound resilience
* Outstanding abrasion resistance
* Excellent tear and puncture resistance
* High impact resistance at low temperatures
* Good oil resistance
* Good weather resistance
These properties make TPU an ideal material for:
* Sports shoe air cushions
* Footwear midsoles
* Shock absorption components
* Flexible protective parts
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# TPU Air Cushion Types
## Full-Palm TPU Air Cushion
The full-palm air cushion follows the shape of the entire outsole.
Features:
* Large cushioning area
* Excellent shock absorption
* High rebound performance
* Suitable for performance sports footwear
Typical design:
* Air chamber thickness: approximately 10–20 mm
* Wall thickness: approximately 1–1.4 mm
The air chamber provides structural support, while solid TPU areas provide connection and reinforcement.
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## Half-Palm TPU Air Cushion
The half-palm air cushion is mainly positioned from the heel area to the forefoot section.
Features:
* Strong heel impact absorption
* Improved stability
* Lightweight design
Typical design:
* Waist chamber thickness: approximately 20–25 mm
* Heel thickness: approximately 18–20 mm
Compared with full-palm cushions, half-palm cushions have fewer requirements on TPU melt flow characteristics.
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# TPU Material Processing Requirements
TPU is highly moisture-sensitive and must be properly dried before processing.
Insufficient drying may cause:
* Air bubbles
* Silver streaks
* Surface defects
* Uneven appearance
* Foam-like structures
Recommended TPU drying conditions:
* Temperature: 80–110°C
* Drying time: approximately 3 hours
* Final moisture content: below 0.05%
Recommended drying equipment:
* Dehumidifying dryer
* Circulating hot air dryer
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# TPU Recycling Guidelines
TPU is recyclable.
A small percentage of recycled TPU can be mixed with new TPU material without significantly affecting product performance.
However:
* Recycled TPU viscosity decreases after repeated processing
* Excessive recycled material may cause defects
* Recycled TPU should be dried again before reuse
Recommended recycled TPU ratio:
**Maximum 30% of total material content**
Proper material management helps maintain:
* Air tightness
* Mechanical strength
* Surface quality
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# Extrusion Blow Molding Process for TPU Air Cushion
The extrusion blow molding process includes:
1. TPU material is plasticized through the extruder
2. A hot tubular parison is continuously extruded
3. The mold closes around the parison
4. Compressed air expands the TPU material into the mold cavity
5. The formed air cushion is cooled and removed
This process allows manufacturers to produce:
* Hollow TPU structures
* Integrated air chambers
* Lightweight cushioning components
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# Features of DKB-6TD TPU Blow Molding Machine
* Specially optimized for TPU footwear applications
* Double Station Shuttle Structure
* Single / Double / Triple / Quadruple Die Head Options
* Horizontal Operating Clamping System
* Production Volume Range: 2 ml – 35 L
* Multi-layer Co-extrusion Capability: 1–6 Layers
* Multi-cavity Production: 1–12 Cavities
## Material Compatibility
Suitable for:
* TPU
* PE
* PP
* PETG
* PVC
* Nylon
* Other engineering plastics
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# Advanced Functions
The DKB-6TD supports:
* TPU optimized extrusion system
* MOOG Parison Controller
* Automatic Deflashing System
* Automatic Material Recycling System
* Automatic Material Feeding System
* Remote Troubleshooting System
* In-Mold Labeling System
* View Stripe Function
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# Drive and Control System
Equipped with:
* Hybrid Servo Motor Drive System
* Energy-saving Hydraulic System
* Closed-loop Proportional Valve Control
Advantages:
* Stable machine operation
* Precise movement control
* Reduced energy consumption
* Improved production efficiency
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# Advantages of DKB-6TD TPU Air Sole Blow Molding Machine
✔ Specially designed for TPU footwear applications
✔ Suitable for sports shoe air cushions and shock absorbers
✔ Excellent product consistency
✔ Flexible mold and cavity configuration
✔ Lower tooling investment compared with injection molding solutions
✔ Automatic production line integration available
✔ Stable production for commercial footwear manufacturing
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# Applications
The DKB-6TD can produce:
* TPU air soles
* TPU heel cushions
* Sports shoe cushioning systems
* Shock absorption components
* Flexible TPU footwear parts
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# Automatic TPU Air Cushion Production Line
For higher production efficiency, the machine can be integrated with:
* Automatic material feeding
* Automatic trimming
* Conveyor systems
* Robotic handling
* Inspection systems
Creating a complete automated TPU air cushion production solution.
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Watch our TPU Air Sole Blow Molding Machine working:
YouTube:
