TPE for decorated part

[Dtuck]

I have a new TPE development part that needs to feel like rubber (approx. 50-55 duro shore A), be injection moldable, not flash on a knockout pin and take either a digital transfer print or ink on a cut raised 2-D surface. It needs to go through wash cycles and take outside weather conditions without the print fading. Looking for USA vendors for control and quality purposes. Part volume to be in the hundreds of thousands. Help would be appreciated.

 

[cjcoop]

Either AES (santoprene) or GLS will offer a TPE/TPV that meets these requirements.

http://www.santoprene.com

http://www.glscorporation.com

Technical Service Manager

 

[patprimmer]

Polyurethane should also be considered. It is more expensive, but generally more durable.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers for professional engineers

 

[Pud]

For outdoor, what's wrong with good old PVC?

Link to a UK site with a selection table(s) for different parameters (including cost, which most forget!):

http://www.distrupol.com/downloads/flexible.pdf

All the stuff there will be available in the USA (probably...)

Cheers

Harry

 

[patprimmer]

The only draw back to PVC is it feels a bit oily rather than leather like. That may or may not matter in this application.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers for professional engineers

 

[dwightdixon]

Do you want it to feel like leather or rubber? The surface texture of the mold will have a large affect on how it will feel. SEBS compounds are more bouncy than Urethanes. Urethanes are more wear and tear resistant but GLS or others SEBS based compounds are cheaper. Some SEBS compounds contain urethane to enhance bondability of the decoration. Work with a good decal supplier to assure good weather resistance.

 

[Dtuck]

Thanks for all the great input. Looking at Santoprene and a TPR. It won't be decals though. Anyone know a particular printer for this application? I have samples but would like to know how it's done.

 

[dwightdixon]

There are several large transfer and screen print machine companies, if you want to do it in house. They usually also supply the "Ink". The better printers have a corona treating station to enhance the bonding of the ink. Santoprene contains a major amount of PP which has low inherent surface energy and is difficult to get good adhesion. If decoration adhesion and abrasion resistance is very important I would suggest you stay with a Urethane containing TPE and a Urethane based ink. Suppliers (like GLS) have tech service groups that keep up with the latest available technology and will help you in the design and product production process for free.

 

[Dtuck]

Can these urethanes containing TPE be injection molded in the same kind of mold as TPE/TPR and ABS? Dimensional differences from shrinkage aside. Thanks for your help.

 

[patprimmer]

Generally speaking yes.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers for professional engineers