Thermoplastic Rubber Molding Services
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) is a type of injection molding resin that is a class of copolymer materials or a physical mix of materials, such as plastic and rubber. TPR materials exhibit certain physical characteristics of both rubbers and plastics, as well as both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. TPRs are well suited for processing via injection molding.
Stack Plastics is an industry leader in the manufacturing and use of thermoplastic plastic and rubber materials. Our high-tech injection molding processes are specifically designed to utilize TPR material to produce molded plastic and rubber products, with very short lead times. Our team will work directly with you to establish your exact TPR material and injection molding process needs.
Contact us for more information on our TPR material and thermoplastic rubber TPR options, or call us at 650-361-8600 and we will be happy to assist you with your questions regarding TPR material.
TPR Molding Services
Thermoplastic Material Properties
Thermoplastic Rubber is a material that maintains both the characteristics of rubber and plastic. TPR material is a form of synthetic rubber, which means that it melts into a liquid when heated and becomes solid when cooled. Some of the advantages that TPR rubber and plastic materials provides, includes the following:
- High flexural fatigue resistance
- Good tear and abrasion resistance
- Good dielectric properties
- Outstanding resistance to weathering and chemicals
- High impact strength
- Elasticity similar to cross-linked rubber materials
- Available in a wide range of durometers, from 20 Shore OO to 85 Shore D
- Broad temperature range: -30°C to 140°C (-22°F to 284°F)
- Combine the look, feel, and elasticity of thermoset rubber with the processability of plastic
- Recyclable
What is the Difference Between TPR & TPE?
TPE and TPR rubber and plastic materials are both categorized as thermoplastics. Both materials have similar characteristics that on the surface make them difficult to distinguish from one another. However, there are numerous differences that separate these materials and allow them to be used for different applications.
As a base TPE and TPR material are completely different. TPE is modified from SEBS base material and TPR is often modified from SBS. TPE’s SEBS base material provides increased softness over TPR. However, TPR material has qualities that combine the properties of rubber with the molding capabilities of thermoplastics. TPR also provides a better physical range than that of TPE and provides increased overall flexibility.
Why We Use Thermoplastic Resins for Injection Molding
Thermoplastic resins are plastic materials that provide excellent moldability when heated to a specific temperature and solidify as they cool back to ambient temperature. Thermoplastic resins maintain a high molecular weight, which causes the intermolecular forces joining their polymer chains to quickly weaken as temperatures increase, turning the material into a viscous liquid. This makes thermoplastic resins ideal for injection molding, as the heated materials will flow readily into the mold under pressure to fill the entire cavity, even in molds with complex geometries.
Which TPR is Right for Your Service?
At Stack Plastics, we have over 20 years of experience in injection molding with thermoplastic rubber materials. We have produced a wide range of parts and components from TPRs, and our expert team can help you determine what type of TPR, if any, is right for your project.
Contact Stack Plastics for Advanced TPR Plastic & Rubber Materials Today
Contact us for more information regarding our thermoplastic rubber TPR products and options, or request a quote for further pricing details today.
