TPE Tips

Over the years, as we have worked with customers to perfect their thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) applications, we've developed a range of concepts and procedures that can help improve and optimize designs. We call these TPE Tips. You can access the four top ones from this page.

Apparent Hardness vs. Thickness In Overmold Applications

One of the key properties of thermoplastic elastomers supplied by GLS is hardness. Durometer alone (the international standard for measuring the hardness of rubber, sponge rubber, plastic, and other nonmetallic materials) is not the only determining factor. Part thickness plays an important part in the perceived hardness of a given application, and this TPE Tip provides the basics for understanding the concepts involved.

Designing Molds for Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBC)

Compounds made from styrenic block copolymers (SBC) such as Kraton® D or G Polymers have special properties that can enhance the success of a finished part. For best results manufacturers should understand the material’s processing benefits and limitations before designing a mold.

Guidelines For Coloring Dynaflex TPE and Kraton TPR Compounds

Dynaflex® TPE and Kraton® TPR compounds can be easily colored by a variety of techniques. This TPE Tip can help you achieve:

Conventional, Opaque Colors
High Visibility, Florescent, Bright Colors
Transparent, Translucent, or Pearlescent Colors
Thermochromic Colors for Color Change Based on Temperature

Processing Styrenic Block Copolymer Compounds from GLS

Styrenic block copolymer (SBC) elastomers are some of the most versatile and easily processed materials in the plastics industry. They normally do not require drying, have broad processing latitudes, and have good to excellent thermal stability. Most commercial compounds are classified as general purpose and can be processed by a variety of techniques.

Specific Gravity

This TPE Tip sheet will focus on the raw material cost, specifically, how Specific Gravity plays a role in the overall economics.

Versaflex OM® Series Material Review

Versaflex® Thermoplastic Elastomer Alloys are designed for overmolding a soft elastomeric material onto various engineering thermoplastic materials including but not limited to: Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, Nylon 6/12, ABS, PC, ABS/PC blends, Copolyester, Propionate, and Polystyrene.

Understanding Hardness

The hardness of a material is often one of the first criteria considered when choosing a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). GLS produces standard products ranging in hardness from 3 Shore A (softest) to 95 Shore A (hardest).