Materials Lab Resources

What happens when a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is overmolded onto a rigid thermoplastic?  What makes the TPE "bond" to the substrate? This informative blog describes what's really happening at a molecular level, and how to measure and optimize adhesion between a TPE and an engineering thermoplastic.

Learn about new innovations in TPE overmolding, from heat resistant seals to drug resistant membranes, the overmolding process delivers functionality beyond a soft-touch grip. These 3 case studies will inspire your next product design.

Looking to better understand the overmolding process or two shot molding? From material selection to process optimization, we've got you covered.  Download the latest Overmolding Guide now!

Perhaps you know TPEs. But did you know that there are actually six distinct TPE chemical families? The right chemistry depends on the application, and the design goals.  What’s more, with the right knowledge, teams can design to the advantages of a Styrenic Block Copolymer Compound (SBC or TPE-S) or a Polyolefinic Rubber Blend (TPO or TPE-O) or a Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV or TPV-V).

Download this ebook and learn the best techniques to optimize product design for strong margins.  From component substitution, to manufacturing location to de-featuring products and more; learn what really has an impact on overall profitability.

Download this ebook and learn how to select the right partner for your Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) supply needs.  Teknor Apex outlines the 5 things you should consider (beyond price) when choosing the right TPE supplier.

Human factors are a big reason why designers love TPEs. Human factors is defined as the study of how people interact physically and psychologically with their environment, products and services. When it comes to human factors or ergonomics, TPEs have had a tremendous impact on everything from power tools to surgical instruments, adding new functionality to hand-held products in addition to their hallmark soft-touch grip.

Our design and product partners come to us with great requests.  Because of the incredible range of design-friendly, high-performance thermoplastic elastomer compounds (TPEs) we offer, we are able to put TPEs to work for their products in some pretty innovative – and probably surprising – ways.  To inspire you, here’s a collection of some of the best applications of TPEs that have come through our lab recently.

New TPEs are developed on a daily basis, for many reasons: new polymer technologies offered by our suppliers, evolving consumer preferences, or the newest government regulation.  Depending on your application or end-use environment, you may already know if you need an SBC compound versus a TPV, but how do you choose the right grade? 

Designers of white goods with elastomeric components – like seals, gaskets,
hoses, O-rings, motor mounts, drain tubes, shock absorbers, and feet – no longer have to rely on a few general-purpose TPV compounds. Continuous innovation in material development has led to new specialty TPEs that are formulated for the particular rigors of specific appliances.

Consider the performance requirements of your household appliances: safety for food contact, or resistance to household chemicals, tolerance to freezing temperatures or high heat. New specialty TPEs are now available, tailored for the unique demands of household appliances: washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators. 

Teknor Apex partnered with Revolutionary Medical Devices, Inc. (RMD) who is focused on developing innovative technologies to improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency with regards to airway management.

Teknor Apex partnered with FGH Systems Inc., a global medical device OEM and blow molding specialist, who was seeking to replace latex, use a more efficient process, and reduce costs. Breather bags pose a design and processing challenge since they must be pleated to lie flat when not in use, yet form a round “balloon” when inflated.  

TPEs are the premier choice of soft, elastomeric materials for appliance designers and engineers. The market for TPEs continues to grow, due to their cost effectiveness and their versatility or design flexibility, enabling TPEs to be used in many major end-user markets; including consumer products, electronics, medical devices, automotive, HVAC, and other industrial applications.