NEW DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLASTIC/TPE COMBINATIONS IN MOLDED GOODS

摘要

The market for new injection over-molded goods continues to grow at a pace exceeding both that of the TPE industry by itself, as well as that of the plastics industry as a whole. A very broad array of viable rigid/soft material combinations is available to designers and end users for industrial, automotive and consumer applications. As the demand for these goods continues to see dramatic increases, marketing groups at a many product manufacturers are responding accordingly - driving product development to reach new heights in terms of product scope, functionality and volume. This paper examines: 1. Range of applications using the material combinations 2. New bondable material combinations using plastic/TPE materials 3. Molding process overview for incorporation into new over-molded goods 4. A look to the future for new designs and new markets Opportunities for effective collaboration between end users and custom processors have never been greater. Materials, technologies, manufacturing processes, and designer creativity will all continue to multiply as end users and consumers demand more value from the custom processor community in the years ahead.