When engineering solutions for the automotive industry, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are bound to be part of your process.
TPVs have been gradually replacing thermoset EPDM rubber in automotive applications where elasticity and long-term performance are crucial and improvements in processing, design, and weight reduction are demanded. Today, there are dozens of TPVs available for a growing number of auto applications.
So how can you achieve optimum performance most efficiently and at the right price point?
The key is to understand which TPV technology is right for your specific application requirements. Our guide is designed to help you choose the best TPV in every situation so you get the performance you need without overbuying.
Download a printable, shareable version of this table below.
|
Automotive Application Requirements |
Application Examples |
TPV (EPDM+PP) Technology |
Attributes to Look For |
|
Optimized balance of cost and performance Minimal engineering requirements |
Interior: Floor mats, bin mats, cup holder liners Chassis: Body plugs, fasteners, pressure relief valves, fuel filler neck, cable ducts, steering column seal |
General Purpose TPVs: |
Well-balanced flow characteristics for a good surface appearance and melt elasticity |
|
Consistent performance in demanding environments Increased requirements for thermal stability, chemical resistance, and exposure to mechanical stresses |
Under the Hood: air ducts, cuffs, grommets, vibration dampening, air guides, boots and bellows Chassis: fasteners, clips, bumpers, plugs, grommets |
High-Performance TPVs: Sarlink 4100 Series |
Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance Low tension and compression set Compression set property retention after heat aging Low oil swell Excellent flex fatigue resistance |
|
Class A surface requirements for molded parts UV stability for the life of vehicle |
Sealing Systems: Window encapsulation, inner and outer belt molded end caps, close out seals, cowl vent seals Under the Hood: air guides, hood scoop seals, lip seals Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals |
High Flow Molding TPVs: Sarlink 4700 Series |
High flow properties for hard-to-fill parts and a broad processing window UV resistance Low fogging Excellent surface appearance and aging performance Excellent dimensional stability (low shrinkage) |
|
Best in class surface appearance for critical class A surfaces For molded parts with long flow lengths UV stability for the life of vehicle Retained sealing force retention over time |
Sealing Systems: Window encapsulation, inner and outer belts, molded end caps, close out seals, cowl vent seals Under the Hood: air guides, hood scoop seals, lip seals Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals) |
Next Generation High Flow Molding TPVs: |
Super high flow properties and broad processing window Low tool fouling and aids in the reduction of surface blemishes (gate blush, tiger striping, sink marks, etc.) resulting from less than optimized tooling UV resistance Low fogging and odor Excellent surface appearance and aging performance Excellent dimensional stability (low shrinkage) |
|
Best in class lifetime UV performance for extruded seals Color-fastness Class A surface appearance |
Sealing Systems: glass run channels, belt line seals, hood to cowl seals, roof ditch molding, door gap filler seals, lower door seals, under hood seals
|
High Performance Extrusion TPVs: |
Optimum extrusion performance due to well-balanced rheological properties for a broad processing window with good melt strength Best in class UV stability Low fogging and exceptional color retention without blooming Optimal surface appearance due to controlled morphology Excellent long-term recovery behavior |
|
EPDM alternative for weather seals and under hood applications Excellent elasticity Superior compression set and speed of recovery at room and elevated temperatures |
Sealing Systems: glass run channels, belt line seals Under the Hood: air guides, hood scoop seals, lip seals, air ducts, boots and bellows Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals Chassis: fasteners, clips, bumpers, plugs, grommets |
High Performance TPVs with Improved Elastic Recovery or “Snap”: |
Improved rebound versus standard TPVs Improved oil resistance versus standard TPVs |
|
Color matching UV resistance Color fastness
|
Interiors: bin mats, cup holders, buttons, knobs, grips Sealing Systems: hood to cowl seals Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals
|
High Flow, UV Stable, Colorable TPVs: |
Lighter, natural color providing improved colorability for custom colors Excellent haptics UV resistance Low odor and fogging Non-hygroscopic; pre-drying is not necessary High flow properties for improved molding Excellent dimensional stability (low shrinkage) |
Download a printable, shareable version of this table below.
Sarlink®’s TPV products have been specified by OEMs globally for decades. You can learn more here about our TPV offerings.
Our Teknor Apex team is always available to help you navigate the wide variety of TPVs that can be used successfully in your applications. Feel free to reach out to connect with one of our experts.
DOWNLOAD TABLE
