Have you ever wondered how the non-slip handles of your tools, the soft-touch buttons on your remote control, or the flexible seals that prevent leaks in appliances are made? Behind many of these products is a star material: Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs).

And the best part is that these materials don't work alone. They require specific injection molding technologies to give them shape, texture, and functionality. How a TPE is molded can make the difference between an ordinary product… and one that truly stands out.

Today we'll tell you about the most commonly used injection molding types with TPE resins, with real-world examples and advantages you may not have known.

1. Conventional Injection Molding: The reliable classic

This is the most widely used method and, in many cases, the most efficient. Molten TPE is injected into a closed mold under pressure to form simple or medium-geometry parts.

Common Applications:

• Flexible caps

• Cable protectors

• Interior & Exterior Automotive parts

• Seals for washing machines or refrigerators

2. Two-Component (2K) Injection Molding: Hard on the outside, soft on the inside.

This technique allows combining two different materials in a single piece, usually a TPE with a rigid plastic such as polypropylene (PP). The result: comfortable, functional, and well-designed products.

Applications:

• Toothbrushes with ergonomic handles

• Soft-touch buttons

• Automotive handles with non-slip zones

3. Overmolding: When form follows function

Can you imagine a rigid part that needs a soft, non-slip, or insulating component? Overmolding is the answer: injecting TPE onto an already molded plastic or metal part to give it that perfect finishing touch.

Applications:

• Screwdriver handles

• Cell phone cases with "grip" areas

• Lids with integrated gaskets

4. Microinjection Molding: Great solutions in tiny parts

In sectors such as medical or electronics, every millimeter counts. And here, TPEs also play a leading role. With microinjection molding, small, precise, and 100% reliable parts are produced.

Applications

• Valves in medical devices

• Flexible connectors in electronics

• High-precision seals

5. Injection Blow Molding:

Although not the most common method with TPEs, when a hollow, flexible part is needed, this technique comes into play. A preform is first injected and then inflated inside a mold.

Applications

• Soft sports bottles

• Flexible medical packaging

• Air ducts and tubing

In summary TPEs are much more than just flexible materials. They are creative, functional, and sustainable allies. And when combined with the right injection molding technology, the result is products that adapt to market needs and surprise the end user.

From a cap to a medical device, everything starts with the right material choice and the correct process to mold it.

If you are developing a new product, looking for more functional alternatives, or need technical support in selecting the ideal material, we are here to help. We have a wide variety of high-quality TPE resins, adaptable to different injection molding processes and industrial applications.

Contact us and discover how we can boost your ideas with TPE solutions.