Elastomer
TPE (SEBS)
The soft-touch overmold material. Very soft, easy to bond to ABS and PP.
Published values for unfilled grades at 23 °C unless stated. Confirm against the supplier datasheet for the grade you specify.
What it is
SEBS-based TPE is the material behind almost every soft-touch grip on a consumer product. It is available down to 20 Shore A, far softer than TPU, and it is formulated in grades that bond chemically to a specific substrate during overmolding.
It is weaker and less abrasion resistant than TPU, so it belongs on surfaces that are touched rather than surfaces that are worn.
Where it is used
- Soft-touch grips and overmolded handles
- Seals and gaskets in low-load applications
- Anti-vibration feet and bumpers
- Cable jacketing and strain relief
- Closures and squeeze components
Processing notes
Drying is usually unnecessary, which simplifies two-shot cells.
Melt 180–220 °C, mold 20–40 °C.
Substrate bonding depends on grade selection, substrate temperature at the second shot, and mechanical interlocks. Specify the substrate to the compounder before tool design.
Available through
Design notes
Always design a mechanical interlock as well as relying on chemical bond. A through-hole or an undercut lip is cheap insurance.
Soft grades take a set under sustained compression. Do not use them for structural seals.
Wall 1.0–2.5 mm on the soft shot. Thin soft sections tear on ejection.
Grades and variants
- 20–40 Shore A, soft-touch surfaces
- 50–70 Shore A, grips and bumpers with some structure
- PP-bonding grades
- ABS and PC bonding grades
- Food contact and skin contact certified grades
Alternatives
If TPE (SEBS) is not the right answer
Specifying this material?
Send your CAD and target volumes. We come back with a price, a lead time, and any material or design notes that would reduce either.