Development of Injection Molded Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Boots for C. V. Joints

摘要

Since 1984, thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) has been used for constant velocity joint boots. Because the mechanical properties of TPEE are better than polychloroprene elastomers(CR), TPEE boot applications have been increasing gradually. Currently, TPEE boot molding process is mainly blow molding. But, using an injection molding process to mold boots has been technically difficult. However, an injection molding process, which molds plastic parts by a cavity and core mold, can mold more dimensionally accurate parts. Because of the dimensional advantage, we have investigated TPEE materials, boot designs and molding process totally. In 1995, we began to apply this TPEE boot to a new Toyota vehicle.