Innovations | thermoplastic elastomers
properties makes it possible for manufacturers to use TPS for window trim around thinner glass or laminated glass,” Kraiburg claims.
“Applications with very long fl ow distances, such as rear window trim or roof trim, are also implemented with TPE-S now,” the company says. “With this innova- tive compound, manufacturers have lengthened the fl ow distances by 134%. Reduction of internal mould
pressure from 1,000 to 550 bar or a reduction of the melt temperature by 35°C enables a 20% shorter cycle time.” The new TPE products feature extremely good UV resistance. The company claims that the materials “easily pass” the Florida test and Kalahari test, which simulate two to three annual cycles.
TPE-S and TPV alternatives for automotive window encapsulation and sealing systems Source: T
eknor Apex Company A further claimed advantage is a brighter colour.
“Compared to phenolic cured grades, the yellowness index could be reduced signifi cantly,” Albis says. “Due to a smart combination of additives and curing agents, fi ne-tuning of bright colours is possible.” The company also cites good fl ow, high tensile strength, low com- pression set and a low oil swelling tendency (especially in comparison to SEBS materials). The Alfater XL series 4 product meets automotive
standards such as VW 50123 from Volkswagen and DBL 5562 from Mercedes Benz, as well as fogging and odour requirements according to DIN 75201 and VDA 270 respectively. The fogging value is lower than 0.85 mg. All Shore hardnesses are said to fulfi l the maximum limit of 2 mg under DIN 75201. Albis says Alfater XL also displays good resistance to heat, oils, acids and bases.
The success of TPEs is based largely on the trend
toward multi-injection moulding,” says compounder Kraiburg. “Especially types based on styrene block copolymers (TPE-S) have gained acceptance over the past years. Industrial manufacturers, as well as manufactur- ers of consumer and medical products, are increasingly basing their applications on this group. The trend toward TPEs is also apparent in automotive applications.” Kraiburg says it is implementing innovative solutions
to expand the market for TPE-S and to optimise existing areas of application, such as window trim. “The challenge is to provide a material that features long fl ow distances while maintaining a homogeneous surface appearance,” the company says. Another obvious requirement is excellent weather resistance. Its latest High-Flow materials are claimed to fulfi l all
relevant requirements. “The modifi cation of the viscosity while maintaining the TPS-specifi c material
www.injectionworld.com April 2015 | INJECTION WORLD 45
Meanwhile, a new series of Sarlink TPE compounds for window encapsulation and other injection moulded automotive sealing applications from Teknor Apex is said to provide a higher-fl ow alternative to TPVs while offering the potential for weight savings because of lower density (0.94 g/cm3). Sarlink ME-2600 Series
compounds, based on TPE-S chemistry, exhibit 50% higher fl ow than the highest-fl ow TPV in the Sarlink range. Compared to other TPE-S materials, these compounds provide enhanced surface appearance, improved tensile properties, better UV resistance, and greater stability upon heat aging. Teknor Apex recommends Sarlink ME-2600 Series
TPEs for window encapsulation and other automotive seals requiring precise or intricate over-moulding onto rigid substrates. The company can manufacture the compounds at its
facilities in the US, Europe, and Singapore. “Sarlink ME-2600 Series compounds have been formulated to help eliminate tiger-striping and fl ow marks, which are common problems in complex moulded applications,” says Jeff Dickerhoof, senior transportation market manager for the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex.
Below: The Alfater XL series 4 TPE from Albis
meets automo- tive demanding automotive
fogging and odour
requirements
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