PROPERTIES:

TPEs are thermoplastic, they exhibit elasticity similar to that of a cross-linked rubber. A key indicator is their softness or hardness value as measured on the Shore durometer scale. Like crosslinked rubber, TPEs are available as very soft gel materials from 20 Shore OO up to 90 Shore A, at which point they enter the Shore D scale and can be formulated to give hardness values up to 85 Shore D, which designates a material that is very hard.Designers increasingly use TPEs due to the significant cost savings possible because their ability to be processed on plastics machinery. Conventional rubber, whether natural or synthetic, is a thermosetting material that must undergo a chemical cross-linking reaction during moulding or extrusion, typically called curing or vulcanization.

APPLICATIONS:

Wire and Cables, Power and Hand Tools, Pen Grips, Airbag Covers, Grips and Handles Plugs, Seals and Grips