TPV-Teknor Apex Sarlink 3140
Delivering exceptional micro-sealing compliance and dynamic flex-fatigue life under lightweight constraints requires a specialized low-hardness elastomer, which Teknor Apex’s Sarlink 3140 delivers through its unreinforced, polypropylene-based thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) matrix. Featuring a low density of 0.93 g/cm³ and an injection-molded hardness of 46 Shore A, this highly ductile grade is engineered for excellent compression set (18% at 23°C) and robust thermal performance up to 125°C. Jucheng Precision, under ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified quality systems, specializes in high-precision molding of Sarlink 3140. Utilizing five-axis CNC-machined S136 stainless steel tooling, we control its high crystallization shrinkage and prevent parting-line flash, delivering flawless components verified by Zeiss CMM.
Sarlink 3140 Low-Hardness & Mechanical Recovery Profile
Sarlink® 3140 is a low-hardness, low-density multi-purpose polypropylene-based thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) engineered by Teknor Apex, designed to deliver exceptional compression set and elastomeric toughness under ISO standards:
| Physical & Strength Parameter | Sarlink 3140 Tested Spec | Dynamic Sealing Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Low Hardness Spec | 46 Shore A (Injection Molded / 5s) | Offers high mechanical compliance and low-load sealing compressibility, perfect for squeezable grips and high-sealing lip gaskets. |
| Tensile Elongation | Elongation at Break 600% (Cross Direction) | High-molecular-weight polymer matrices provide extreme elastic stretchability without dynamic tear or shear failure. |
| Compression Recovery | Compression Set 18% (at 23°C, 22h) | Maintains excellent, repeatable sealing recovery under long-term compression, preventing leakage under low torque loads. |
Process & Sealing Configurations for Highly Flexible Sarlink 3140
With its ultra-soft matrix and high melt stability, Sarlink 3140 processes consistently inside precise molds:
| Molding Process Class | Molding Compatibility & Process Setup Details |
|---|---|
| Precision Dynamic Seals & Gaskets | Excellent. Configured with hot-runner manifolds to mold high-compliance water gaskets, soft dynamic seals, and expanding boots. |
| Low-Hardness Squeezable Grips | Excellent. Ideal for overmolding onto rigid PP tool cores, dynamic hand grips, and squeezable cosmetic container caps. |
| Multi-Cavity Automated Fast Runs | Good. Highly optimized for high-pressure injection molding with highly uniform weight replication on large automated runs. |
TPE-KRAIBURG Thermolast M TM6MED Tooling & Overmolding Guide
Molding an amorphous medical-grade elastomer like TM6MED requires strict control of parting lines to prevent flash, alongside cleanroom contamination control:
Optimizing Soft-Touch Tool Release (Draft Angles)
Because Sarlink 3140 is exceptionally soft and flexible, parts can easily stick to cores, causing severe ejector pin drag marks. Jucheng’s tooling division machines generous draft angles (minimum 1.5° to 2.0°) and uses wide ejector pins or stripper bars to distribute demolding forces evenly.
High-Precision合模线 clearances (Flash Prevention)
With its ultra-soft elastomer base, molten TPV can seep easily into minor mold gaps, causing parting line flash. Jucheng’s tooling division uses 5-axis CNC machines to achieve micro-tolerances, keeping mold parting clearances strictly within 0.005mm on premium S136 stainless steel mold cavity blocks.
Cold Mold Temperature Control (Quick Freeze)
We maintain mold temperatures at 20°C–40°C (68°F to 104°F) using pressurized water chillers. Keeping tools cold is critical to freeze the soft elastomeric phase quickly, allowing for automatic, warp-free ejection. Melt temperatures are controlled at 180°C–220°C.
High Elastic Shrinkage Compensation
Like standard TPV, Sarlink 3140 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 TPV-Teknor Apex Sarlink 3140
- Precision Sealing & Gaskets: Dynamic plumbing mixing-valve seals, high-density water meter connection rings, domestic water gaskets, and high-pressure pipe couplings.
- Automotive Powertrains & Chassis (IATF 16949): High-temperature dust bellows, steering rack protective sleeves, vibration-damping grommets, and chassis seals.
- Squeezable Consumer Grips: Non-slip, soft-touch hand grips for screwdrivers, electric drill handles, toothbrush grips, kitchenware handles, and adjustable lever covers.
Properties
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Shore A, 5s, Injection Molded) | 46 - |
| Hardness (Shore A, 5s, Extruded) | 41 - |
| Tensile Strength at Break (Cross Flow Direction) | 4.4 MPa |
| Tensile Strength at Break (Flow Direction) | 2.5 MPa |
| Modulus at 100% Elongation (Cross Flow Direction) | 1.2 MPa |
| Modulus at 100% Elongation (Flow Direction) | 2.5 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (Cross Flow Direction) | 600 % |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (Flow Direction) | 210 % |
| Tear Strength (Cross Flow, ISO 34B) | 16 kN/m |
| Compression Set (23°C, 22h) | 18 % |
| Compression Set (70°C, 22h) | 31 % |
| Compression Set (125°C, 70h) | 52 % |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage | 1.5 - 2.5 % |
| Maximum Part Size | 800 x 600 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |