The GLS Overmolding Guide

The Full Story

You can download download the complete, 18-page Overmolding Guide for GLS thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). With more information than the online sections below, this guide covers:

• Materials selection
• Part and mold design
• Material handling and preparation
• TPE injection molding
• Overmolding processing
• Strategies for increased adhesion
• TPE injection molding troubleshooting
• TPE overmolding troubleshooting

The Online Version

A slightly condensed version of the GLS Overmolding Guide is available online here for quick answers to your overmolding questions.

For quick access to the information you need, select a topic from the list below. If you would like to speak directly with a GLS technical specialist, give us a call at 800-457-8777 or send us an email.

Online Overmolding Guide

Overmolding TPE Selection

• GLS Product Line
• Material Flow Behavior

Part Design

• General Concepts
• Flow Length and Wall Thickness
• Shrinkage and Warpage
• Shut-Off Design
• Mechanical Interlock Designs

Mold Design

• Mold Construction
• Tool Layout
• Runner Configuration and Design
• Hot Runner Systems
• Gate Design
• Comparison of Gate Types

Processing

• Machine Selection
• Drying
• Coloring
• Purging
• Regrind Injection Pressure and Speed
• Injection Pressure and Speed
• Melt Temperature
• Substrate Temperature
• Mold Temperature
• Cooling Time
• Factors Affecting Adhesion

Troubleshooting

Overmolding Toolbox

GLS offers the broadest range of soft TPE overmolding grades in the industry.

More and more TPEs are specified for a growing range of product designs, improving aesthetics, functionality and performance. From overmolded grips to non-skid surfaces, soft touch TPEs have helped manufacturers realize new design possibilities. The reasons for this growth in overmolded TPEs are many:

• Enhanced Consumer Appeal - a Proven Concept to Build Market Share
• Improved Feel and Appearance
• Soft Grip or feel
• Improved Ergonomics
• Safe, Tactile Grip in Wet Environments
• Reduces Assembly Labor
• Eliminated or Reduced Need for Mechanical Fasteners and Adhesives
• Ease of Color Match With No Secondary Painting Required
• Improved Impact Resistance
• Enhanced Sealing in Fluid Environments
• High Friction Surface
• Vibration Damping
• Sound Absorption

The Leader in Soft Touch TPE Overmolding Grades

GLS has developed the broadest range of soft TPE overmolding grades in the industry. Our own R&D augmented by key strategic alliances results in a resource the can provide soft touch TPEs that bond to a wide range of thermoplastics, including:

• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• PC/ABS Alloys
• Styrene, High Impact Styrene (HIPS)
• Nylon 6 and 6,6 (PA6 and PA66)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Copolyester
• Propionate
• Acetal (POM)

Overmolding Resource Center

GLS is ready to help you from concept to production. We can help you select the right overmolding TPE, assist in product development, and consult on optimized tooling design and processing.

For assistance in selecting an overmolding grade, click here for the Product Selector Wizard.

Not sure how GLS TPEs can add value to your product? Click here to see examples of successful overmolding products that use GLS soft touch TPEs.

And, as always, you can contact GLS directly at 1-800-457-877 to get quick answers to your questions.