Best Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) Products Compared
Selecting the right thermoplastic elastomer requires understanding Shore hardness, substrate adhesion, and application-specific performance. This comparison evaluates leading TPE, TPU, and TPV products for overmolding, automotive sealing, and medical device applications.
Teknor Apex Medalist TPE
8.8/10Medical-grade TPE for healthcare applications
$4.50-6.20/lb
Pros
- +USP Class VI and ISO 10993 biocompatibility
- +Gamma and EtO sterilization compatible
- +Phthalate-free formulations available
- +Shore A 20-90 hardness range
Cons
- -Premium pricing for medical compliance
- -Limited availability in some shore ranges
- -Specialized processing requirements
BASF Elastollan TPU
8.7/10Versatile polyurethane for mechanical performance
$3.80-5.20/lb
Pros
- +Superior abrasion and tear resistance
- +Wide Shore hardness range (Shore A 70 to Shore D 80)
- +Excellent low-temperature flexibility
- +Chemical resistance to oils and solvents
Cons
- -Hydrolysis susceptibility in humid conditions
- -Limited adhesion without primers
- -Higher processing temperatures required
Kraton G1650 SEBS
8.5/10Premium SEBS for demanding overmolding applications
$4.20-4.80/lb
Pros
- +Excellent adhesion to PC, ABS, and PP substrates
- +Shore A 50-55 hardness ideal for soft-touch applications
- +UV stable and colorable for outdoor use
- +FDA compliant for food contact applications
Cons
- -Higher cost compared to TPO alternatives
- -Limited oil resistance vs TPU
- -Processing temperature sensitivity
ExxonMobil Santoprene TPV
8.3/10Thermoset performance with thermoplastic processability
$3.20-4.10/lb
Pros
- +Excellent compression set resistance
- +Superior chemical resistance to automotive fluids
- +Temperature range -40°C to 135°C
- +Good adhesion to polypropylene substrates
Cons
- -Limited transparency options
- -Higher density than SEBS alternatives
- -Narrow processing window
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Teknor Apex Medalist TPE | BASF Elastollan TPU | Kraton G1650 SEBS | ExxonMobil Santoprene TPV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shore Hardness Range Available durometer range for application flexibility | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
Overmolding Adhesion Bond strength to rigid thermoplastic substrates | Good | Fair | Excellent | Good |
Chemical Resistance Resistance to oils, solvents, and automotive fluids | Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
Temperature Range Continuous use temperature performance | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
Regulatory Compliance FDA, USP, and medical device approvals | Excellent | ~ | Good | Fair |
Compression Set Resistance Ability to recover shape after compression | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent |
Verdict
Each TPE type excels in specific applications. BASF TPU leads in mechanical performance, Santoprene TPV dominates automotive sealing, Kraton SEBS excels in overmolding, and Medalist TPE sets the standard for medical devices. Colorado Sun Inc can source all grades with technical support for optimal selection.
Automotive sealing and gaskets
ExxonMobil Santoprene TPV
Superior compression set resistance and automotive fluid compatibility
Consumer electronics overmolding
Kraton G1650 SEBS
Excellent adhesion to PC/ABS without primers and soft-touch feel
Medical device components
Teknor Apex Medalist TPE
USP Class VI compliance and sterilization compatibility
High-wear mechanical applications
BASF Elastollan TPU
Outstanding abrasion resistance and mechanical properties
FAQ
What Shore hardness should I choose for soft-touch overmolding?
Shore A 40-60 provides the optimal balance of soft feel and durability for handheld devices. Shore A 30-40 feels premium but may show fingerprints, while Shore A 60+ feels less premium but offers better wear resistance.
Can TPE bond directly to rigid plastics without primers?
SEBS-based TPEs like Kraton bond well to PC, ABS, and PP without primers. TPU typically requires primers or adhesion promoters. TPV bonds excellently to PP but poorly to other substrates without surface treatment.
How do I prevent TPE adhesion issues in two-shot molding?
Ensure rigid substrate temperature stays above 60°C when injecting TPE, maintain proper gate design for even flow, and verify TPE processing temperature matches substrate thermal requirements. Surface contamination is the leading cause of bond failure.
What's the difference between TPE, TPU, and TPV materials?
TPE (SEBS) offers excellent overmolding adhesion and transparency. TPU provides superior mechanical properties and chemical resistance. TPV combines thermoset rubber performance with thermoplastic processability, excelling in compression set resistance.
How does Colorado Sun Inc support TPE material selection?
Colorado Sun Inc provides technical datasheets, application-specific recommendations, sample coordination, and processing guidance. Our team works directly with TPE manufacturers to ensure optimal material selection for your specific requirements.