Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether (TPM), CAS 25498-49-1, is a water-soluble, slow-evaporating, low-VOC, propylene-based glycol ether exhibiting excellent solvency for a range of resins and polymers in industrial cleaning, coatings formulation, and several processing applications.
We supply TPM Solvent in 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, and tote quantities for a wide range of companies seeking a cost-effective and environmentally preferable solvent to improve performance and workplace safety in their operations.
Key applications for TPM include:
- Additive manufacturing, as a resin cleaner for SLA applications
- Urethane manufacturing, as a flushing agent and cleaning compound
- Paint stripping and degreasing, as a co-solvent to improve solubility and reduce VOC content
- Formulating solvent in paints and coatings, cleaners, and inks to dissolve a range of resins, including acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, polyester, and more.
TPM Specifications
| Property | Specifications | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | 0.962–0.970 | USP XXI |
| Distillation @ 760 mm Hg | IBP min. 236°C DP max. 251°C |
ASTM D-1078, E-202 |
| Acidity, wt. % as Acetic Acid | Max. 0.01 | ASTM E-202; USP XXI |
| Water, Wt. %, max. | 0.15 | ASTM E-202, E-203 |
| Color, APHA, max. | 15 | ASTM E-202; D-1209 |
Environmental, Health and Safety
TPM Solvent is not included under the category “gylcol ethers” as defined in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. It is a non-flammable solvent with low odor, low toxicity and a slow rate of evaporation.
Glycol Ether TPM is not subject to reporting requirements under CERCLA, or those established under SARA Title 111 and Section 313.
Because of its low vapor pressure (<0.1 @25ºC (mm Hg)) and higher boiling point, tripropylene glycol methyl ether may be considered exempt as an LVP-VOC from applicable consumer products air quality regulations.
The Household and Consumer Products Association (HCPA) also identifies TPM (CAS 25498-49-1) as an LVP-VOC.
Performance
Combined with its low degree of toxicity, low vapor pressure and exclusion from regulatory requirements, TPM can be an excellent solvent choice for many cleaning and coating applications.
Additionally, Glycol Ether TPM can work well in both polar and non-polar soil removal applications.
Since it is water-miscible and compatible with several non-polar ingredients, TPM will also blend with other co-solvents, including dimethyl (dibasic) esters and propylene carbonate, in formulated solutions where varying degrees of solvency and surface performance are desired.
Featured Application: SLA Resin Cleaning in 3D Printing
Post-processing SLA parts doesn’t have to be messy, slow, or hazardous.
Many of our additive manufacturing clients rely on TPM as a safe and efficient way to remove resin from 3D-printed parts.
Compared to IPA or other flammable solvents, Sta-Sol® TPM is non-flammable, low odor, and highly effective. It’s ideal for labs, production lines, and prototyping shops that need reliability and safety at scale.
Our TPM is used by additive manufacturing teams at leading companies throughout the U.S., including Google, Toyota, Ford, Apple, and Amazon, and many more, as well as numerous universities, medical facilities, and 3D printing service providers and prototyping companies.