Material Santoprene
Material Santoprene
(OP)
Hi
I’m hoping someone can help me. I am interested in using Santoprene for insert molding, for the manufacture of trailer wiring kits/automotive-wiring harnesses.
Does it have any special molding requirements that I should be aware of?
Also can I use this Santoprene on conventional thermoplastic insert molding machines?
Thanks
I’m hoping someone can help me. I am interested in using Santoprene for insert molding, for the manufacture of trailer wiring kits/automotive-wiring harnesses.
Does it have any special molding requirements that I should be aware of?
Also can I use this Santoprene on conventional thermoplastic insert molding machines?
Thanks






RE: Material Santoprene
All materials have their unique characteristics, which require consideration in moulding
Vulcanised EPDM modified Polypropylene (most common trade name Santoprene) is like most elastomers, quite variable in mould shrinkage, depending somewhat on injection pressure, and is prone to stick to the mould if the mould surface is smooth.
Regards
pat
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Material Santoprene
There are many tips that I could give you in the art of properly molding Santoprene. But without knowing the anything about your component except that it has an insert, does not help much.
My words of advice are that you should prototype your component, prior to building a multiple cavity tool. Even with all of my experience with Santoprene. I was still sometimes surprised with the results of the finished part. Shrinkage is usually not consistant across the part.
The other item that your tool maker should take into account is the placement of the gate. It should be designed so that it will shear the material as it is entering the cavity. Plus the cavity should be filled "fast" without much holding time. The finished part will have a certain smell to it. Those with experience know when the material has been molded properly by the smell of the finished part.
RE: Material Santoprene
RE: Material Santoprene