TPE Overmolding, Bonding and Substrate Considerations

Design engineers choose TPEs for improved ergonomics, enhanced grip performance, improved aesthetics, and critical impact protection. Applications that benefit from TPE overmolds range from consumer goods to medical instruments to industrial tools and can include knobs, handles, gaskets, seals and grips.

Benefits of Overmolding

With improvements in material technology of TPE, overmolded part designs have become less dependent on mechanical interlocks to hold a TPE in place. Chemical bonds between TPE and rigid materials offer improved part integrity and longevity while eliminating the need for adhesives or surface pre-treatments. System performance can be further optimized by including both chemical and mechanical bonds in the part design. The net benefit has greatly expanded design freedom.
Chemical bonds in overmolding:
a) Improve product function;
b) Increase margins;
c) Expand product differentiation;
d) Enable new design innovation

Optimal Bonding Materials

Molders using multi-shot molding in combination with TPEs need to have a thorough understanding of bonding, and how to select both TPE and rigid substrates does affect bond strength. GainShine Plastic Technology offers an expansive line of TPEs for bonding to specific engineering resins and assistance in selecting the ideal grades.

Know more: http://www.gainshine-tpe.com/news/TPE-Overmolding-Bonding-and-Substrate-Considerations.html