The thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) provide good compression recovery and seal force retention. These materials can be deformed and quickly return to nearly the original dimensions and geometry like traditional thermoset rubber materials. TPEs are commercially available with wide variations in performance and so TPE parts can have a full range of performance capabilities and have a range of part economics. While nearly all thermoplastic processes can be used for TPEs, the injection molding process is the most popular judged by the greatest number of parts types made with this process. A good understanding of the steps in designing a TPE part for the injection molding process is important for its successful commercialization.
Identifying the correct TPE type and grade to use is the first step to successfully design a part. The general breakdown of TPEs used for injection molding into TPE parts is into the broad categories of block copolymers, rubber-plastic blends and thermoplastic vulcanizates.