Can TPE thermoplastic elastomers be injection molded?

In the field of material molding, the infusion process is commonly used in the molding of silicone, polyurethane and other materials because of its convenient operation and moderate mold cost. Can the widely used TPE thermoplastic elastomers be molded by this process? Many practitioners will have such a question. The editor of China Zhongsu Wang will answer for you.

In fact, TPE can be infused, but there are specific conditions and limitations, not the mainstream molding method.

First, what is the core logic of TPE infusion?

TPE thermoplastic elastomer with thermoplastic qualities, after heating will melt and flow, after cooling curing molding, this physical change for the infusion to provide possible. The infusion process requires TPE particles to be heated to a completely molten state, with the help of melt pressure tanks, through the air pressure of the liquid material smoothly injected into the mold, after cooling and shaping to complete the molding.

Second, do you know the applicable scenes and limitations of the infusion process?

TPE infusion is suitable for the production of large, thick-walled products or products covered with complex inserts, mold cost is low, suitable for small batch production and new product sampling. However, it has obvious limitations, low production efficiency, thick-walled products cooling time-consuming, and only part of the low melt viscosity, good fluidity of TPE grades applicable. Process control is more difficult, improper control of temperature and pressure is prone to bubbles, underfilling and other problems, product size accuracy is relatively limited.

Third, Zhongsu wang enterprise molding process selection recommendations

Injection molding is still the mainstream of TPE processing, in terms of production efficiency, product precision and quality stability is more advantageous, suitable for large-scale production needs.

In short, when choosing the molding process of TPE thermoplastic elastomer, we must consider the product structure, production requirements and cost budget to make the right decision.