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Which TPV is Right for Me: How to Match Your Automotive Requirements to the Right Technology

When engineering solutions for the automotive industry, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are bound to be part of your process.

TPVs have been gradually replacing thermoset EPDM rubber in automotive applications where elasticity and long-term performance are crucial and improvements in processing, design, and weight reduction are demanded. Today, there are dozens of TPVs available for a growing number of auto applications.

So how can you achieve optimum performance most efficiently and at the right price point?

The key is to understand which TPV technology is right for your specific application requirements. Our guide is designed to help you choose the best TPV in every situation so you get the performance you need without overbuying.

Download a printable, shareable version of this table below. 

Automotive Application Requirements

Application Examples

TPV (EPDM+PP) Technology

Attributes to Look For

Optimized balance of cost and performance

Minimal engineering requirements

 

Interior: Floor mats, bin mats, cup holder liners

Chassis: Body plugs, fasteners, pressure relief valves, fuel filler neck, cable ducts, steering column seal

General Purpose TPVs:
Sarlink 3100 Series

Well-balanced flow characteristics for a good surface appearance and melt elasticity

Versatile, can be processed by injection or blow molding and extrusion

Consistent performance in demanding environments

Increased requirements for thermal stability, chemical resistance, and exposure to mechanical stresses

Under the Hood: air ducts, cuffs, grommets, vibration dampening, air guides, boots and bellows

Chassis: fasteners, clips, bumpers, plugs, grommets

High-Performance TPVs: Sarlink 4100 Series

Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance 

Low tension and compression set

Compression set property retention after heat aging

Low oil swell

Excellent flex fatigue resistance

Class A surface requirements for molded parts

UV stability for the life of vehicle

Retained sealing force retention over time

Sealing Systems: Window encapsulation, inner and outer belt molded end caps, close out seals, cowl vent seals

Under the Hood: air guides, hood scoop seals, lip seals

Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals

High Flow Molding TPVs: Sarlink 4700 Series

High flow properties for hard-to-fill parts and a broad processing window

UV resistance

Low fogging

Excellent surface appearance and aging performance

Excellent dimensional stability (low shrinkage)

Best in class surface appearance for critical class A surfaces

For molded parts with long flow lengths

UV stability for the life of vehicle

Retained sealing force retention over time

Sealing Systems: Window encapsulation, inner and outer belts, molded end caps, close out seals, cowl vent seals

Under the Hood: air guides, hood scoop seals, lip seals

Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals)

Next Generation High Flow Molding TPVs:
Sarlink 17100 Series

Super high flow properties and broad processing window

Low tool fouling and aids in the reduction of surface blemishes (gate blush, tiger striping, sink marks, etc.) resulting from less than optimized tooling

UV resistance

Low fogging and odor

Excellent surface appearance and aging performance 

Excellent dimensional stability (low shrinkage)

Best in class lifetime UV performance for extruded seals

Color-fastness

Long term sealing force retention

Class A surface appearance

Stable flexibility performance across a broad temperature range 

Sealing Systems: glass run channels, belt line seals, hood to cowl seals, roof ditch molding, door gap filler seals, lower door seals, under hood seals

 

 

High Performance Extrusion TPVs:
Sarlink 5700 Series

Optimum extrusion performance due to well-balanced rheological properties for a broad processing window with good melt strength 

Best in class UV stability

Low fogging and exceptional color retention without blooming

Optimal surface appearance due to controlled morphology

Excellent long-term recovery behavior

EPDM alternative for weather seals and under hood applications

Excellent elasticity

Superior compression set and speed of recovery at room and elevated temperatures

Sealing Systems: glass run channels, belt line seals

Under the Hood: air guides, hood scoop seals, lip seals, air ducts, boots and bellows

Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals

Chassis: fasteners, clips, bumpers, plugs, grommets

High Performance TPVs with Improved Elastic Recovery or “Snap”:
Sarlink 15700 Series

Improved rebound versus standard TPVs

Best in class UV stability

Improved oil resistance versus standard TPVs

Color matching

Class A surface appearance 

UV resistance

Color fastness

 

Interiors: bin mats, cup holders, buttons, knobs, grips

Sealing Systems: hood to cowl seals

Exterior: antenna seals / gaskets, mirror seals / gaskets, spoiler seals

 

High Flow, UV Stable, Colorable TPVs:
Sarlink 6700 Series

Lighter, natural color providing improved colorability for custom colors

Excellent haptics

UV resistance

Low odor and fogging

Non-hygroscopic; pre-drying is not necessary

High flow properties for improved molding 

Excellent dimensional stability (low shrinkage) 

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