2. Traditional or innovative processing methods

Compared with cross-linkable rubbers, TPEs offer both the ease of traditional thermoplastic processing and a whole range of innovative methods, such as stamping, in-situ deposition, spraying, blow molding and thermoforming.

The choice of processing method is inextricably linked to the TPE itself, the geometry of the part, the expected properties and the volumes to be manufactured. It's worth remembering that TPE production costs can exceed those of cross-linked elastomers, particularly for small production runs, if the production method is poorly chosen. The table at 15 suggests, for basic primary processing methods (injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding) and secondary processing methods (thermoforming, machining and other packaging methods), the importance of feasible production runs and...