TPE-KRAIBURG Thermolast K TC5GPZ
Delivering a pleasant, premium soft-touch surface feel while satisfying strict low-emission and low-odor VDA 270 standards for automotive interiors requires a specialized elastomer, which KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® K TC5GPZ delivers. Featuring a density of 1.10 g/cm³ and a hardness of 49 Shore A, this SEBS-based thermoplastic elastomer is engineered for exceptional melt cohesion and superior chemical adhesion to polypropylene (PP) substrates. Jucheng Precision, under IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 frameworks, specializes in multi-shot overmolding of TC5GPZ. Backed by our 5-axis CNC-machined tooling, we optimize parting lines and control high elastic shrinkage, preventing peeling or flash, verified by Zeiss CMM.
Thermolast K TC5GPZ Elastomeric & Low-Emission Profile
THERMOLAST® K TC5GPZ is a universal GP/FG series SEBS-based compound engineered by KRAIBURG TPE, certified to deliver outstanding soft-touch surface feel, exceptional elongation, and low emissions under automotive standards:
| Physical & Tactile Parameter | Thermolast K TC5GPZ Value | Overmolding & Aesthetic Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Softness & Hardness | Shore Hardness 49 Shore A | Delivers an exceptionally warm, non-sticky, and rubber-like premium soft touch, perfect for high-aesthetic hand grips and covers. |
| Dynamic Elongation | Tensile Elongation at Break 750% | Highly elastic block copolymer matrices provide extreme stretchability without permanent tear or crack propagation. |
| Low Volatile Emissions | Odor Optimized (VDA 270 B-3) | Maintains extremely low fogging and VOC levels under VDA 278, complying with strict commercial automotive cabin requirements. |
Process & Bonding Configurations for Overmolding TC5GPZ
With outstanding melt flow and interfacial chemistry, TC5GPZ bonds permanently during multi-shot cycles:
| Molding Technology | Molding Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| Overmolding / Co-Molding | Excellent. The primary process for TC5GPZ. Forms highly reliable, seamless chemical bonds over rigid Polypropylene (PP) substrates, preventing edge peeling. |
| 2-Shot (2K) Molding | Excellent. Simultaneously injects rigid PP cores and soft TPE grips using advanced rotating platens, saving cycle times and delivering crisp parting lines. |
| Standalone Injection Molding | Excellent. Ideal for standalone, highly flexible components like vehicle car mats, dynamic sealing gaskets, and vibration dampening mounts. |
TPE-KRAIBURG Thermolast K TC5GPZ Tooling & Overmolding Guide
Processing a high-performance block copolymer like TC5GPZ requires strict control of parting lines to prevent flash, alongside careful drying to secure robust bonds:
Perfect Interfacial Adhesion (Overmolding compatibility)
Because TC5GPZ is optimized for chemical bonding with PP, the thermal cohesion at the interface is critical. Our tooling division designs balanced runners to ensure high melt heat is delivered across the bond boundary, while managing mold temperatures at 20°C–40°C (68°F to 104°F) using pressurized water chillers to prevent peel.
Micron-Level Flash Control (Low Viscosity Shear)
At melt temperatures of 200°C–220°C (392°F to 428°F), TPE can easily flash into mold parting line gaps. Jucheng’s tooling division uses 5-axis CNC machines to achieve micro-tolerances, keeping mold parting clearances strictly within 0.010mm on premium S136 stainless steel mold cavity blocks.
Desiccant Drying & Splay Prevention
To prevent moisture splay and maximize bonding strength, we desiccant-dry TC5GPZ resin at 60°C–80°C (140°F to 176°F) for 2–4 hours. This eliminates visual silver streaks and ensures a perfectly non-slip, aesthetic finish.
High Elastic Shrinkage Compensation
Like standard TPE, TC5GPZ exhibits high shrinkage (typically 1.5% to 2.5% depending on hardness and grade). Our tooling division scales mold cavities precisely to compensate for this shrinkage, ensuring exact dimensional results verified by Zeiss CMM.
Key Application Fields for TPE-KRAIBURG Thermolast K TC5GPZ
- Automotive Interiors & Seals (IATF 16949 Certified): Custom car floor mats, weatherstripping gaskets, window guide seals, soft-touch dashboard panels, and steering column boots.
- Power Tools & Household Grips: Non-slip, soft-touch hand grips for screwdrivers, electric drill handles, toothbrush grips, kitchenware handles, and adjustable lever covers.
- Dynamic Sealing & Enclosures: Flexible dynamic water gaskets, chemical-resistant soft washers, industrial expanding boots, and protective wire-terminal caps.
Properties
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ |
| Shore Hardness (Shore A) | 49 - |
| Tensile Stress at Break (DAM) | 6.5 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (DAM) | 750 % |
| Tear Strength | 14 kN/m |
| Compression Set (23°C, 72h) | 20 % |
| Compression Set (70°C, 24h) | 34 % |
| Compression Set (100°C, 24h) | 66 % |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 HB Class |
| Drying Temperature Range | 60 - 80 °C |
| Drying Time Range | 2.0 - 4.0 hr |
| Rear Barrel Temperature | 180 °C |
| Middle Barrel Temperature | 200 °C |
| Front Barrel Temperature | 220 °C |
| Mold Temperature Range | 20 - 40 °C |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage | 1.5 - 2.5 % |
| Maximum Part Size | 800 x 600 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |