Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers Inc. formulated a new thermoplastic elastomer for overmolding on nylon 66 when a previous polymer could not do the job efficiently.
Star, based in Broadview, Ill., developed the new TPE for Able American Plastics Inc. in Richmond, Ill. Star claims the new TPE has better aesthetics and adhesion while cutting costs by up to 80 cents per pound than the previous TPE Able American was using. This translates into big savings because each shot for overmolding uses 1/2 pound of TPE.
Star’s new TPE is an advancement over other TPEs it formulates for overmolding on nylon.
“Initially we were concerned that we didn’t have an off-the-shelf suitable replacement TPE overmolding grade that did the job, and at a less price per pound for this potential customer,” Star research and development manager Prakash Sanjeevaiah said in a news release. Extensive study showed that Star could formulate a new elastomer type unlike the previous one and that did the job at lower cost.
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