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TPE vs Silicone

TPE vs Silicone

TPE or Thermoplastic elastomers and Silicone are both elastomers i.e. they are polymers of rubbery material. They can recover their original shapes after being stretched to great extents. In this blog, we will discuss what is silicone and TPE. Moreover, we will also shed light on the main differences in the properties and uses of TPE and silicone.

What is TPE?

A thermoplastic elastomer is a flexible and rubber-like substance with plastic-like properties. It may be produced with a range of plastic production equipment such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. TPE is a genuine thermoplastic that does not require vulcanization or curing. Thermoplastic elastomers are widely used in daily life. These materials are found in a variety of products, including consumer items, medical equipment, power tools, kitchenware, shoe insoles, and motorbike grips. TPE can resist severe temperatures without warping or splitting.

Thermoplastic elastomers are tear-resistant yet soft to the touch. TPE is used in grips like those that are commonly found in exercise equipment. TPE is also easily colorable and can be found in products all around us. The soft grips on toothbrushes, dog chew toys, and handles on garden tools are additional examples of TPE applications. Got to TPE injection molding page to know more about TPE.

TPE material

What is Silicone?

Silicone is a broad category of fluids, resins, and elastomers. Silicones have a general formula of (R2SiO)x. Here, R can represent any of several organic groups. Their distinguishing characteristics include chemical inertness, resistance to water, and oxidation. Moreover, they are stable at both high and low temperatures. Also, they have a diverse set of commercial applications. Go to Silicone injection molding page to know more.

Composition of TPE

TPE or Thermoplastic Rubber is a copolymer or a blend of polymers that mainly has the properties of rubber with the thermal processability of plastics. The composition usually includes:

  • Elastomeric component: It is a type of network that offers flexibility and elasticity to a network or system.
  • Thermoplastic component: Enables one to forge and reforge, casting, and re-casting.

The ratio of these can be adjusted, and common elastomers used in TPEs are styrene block copolymers (SBC), thermoplastic olefins (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU).

Composition of Silicone

Silicone is a synthetic polymer comprising silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen with minor proportions of other elements. These elements may include calcium, titanium, or aluminum. Its composition includes:

  • Siloxane backbone: Chains of silicon atoms bonded in turn with oxygen atoms.
  • Organic side groups: Bound to the silicon atoms, depending on the actual type of silicone which can be methyl, phenyl, and others.

What Is the Product Performance of TPE and Silicone?

TPE and Silicone are two polymers and each has its properties and types of polymer to use depending on performance, price, and laws. So, here is the analysis of the product performance of both TPEs and silicone

1. Thermoplastic Elastomer TPE:

  • Flexibility: Fine, extremely flexible, very soft material.
  • Elasticity: Very flexible, regains the original shape after being bent or during flexing.
  • Processability: Non-biodegradable, easy to mold and recycle, cheaper than metal and glass, and complement each other perfectly since they are both associated with pro plastics.
  • Adhesion: It can easily interact with other thermoplastics and create a good bond.
  • Durability: Somewhat lower, but still higher than non-silicone.

2. Silicone

  • Heat Resistance: Resistant to high temperature as well as not subjected to any type of degrading.
  • Elasticity: Remains flexible at high and low temperatures, therefore, more elastic material should be used.
  • Chemical Resistance: They do not dissolve in water, oils, and many chemicals, they are also waterproof.
  • Biocompatibility: Stable for usage in medicine and cooking.
  • Durability: Highly durable, and long-lasting.

TPE injection molding

Properties of Both TPE vs Silicone

 

Properties TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Silicone
Flexibility Very flexible Flexible but firmer
Elasticity Excellent Excellent
Heat Resistance Up to 120°C Up to 250°C or higher
Melting Point 170°C to 260°C Does not have a true melting point, remains stable up to 250°C or higher
Chemical Resistance Moderate Excellent
UV Resistance Moderate Excellent
Durability Good but less than silicone Very high
Biocompatibility It varies by type Generally high
Processing Easy to process and recycle More complex processing
Cost Generally lower Higher
Tensile Strength 5-30 MPa 5-11 MPa
Elongation at Break 200-800% 100-900%
Hardness (Shore A) 20-90 10-90
Water Resistance Moderate to high High

When to Use TPE?

Use TPE when;

  • Cost is a major factor.
  • The temperature resistance is moderate for most of the products.
  • Simple process and recyclability is required.
  • The product requires soft and flexible material;

When to Use Silicone?

Use Silicone when;

  • High-temperature resistance is necessary.
  • Good chemical and UV resistance is crucial.
  • Long-term stability and security must be achieved.
  • The product under consideration is best suitable to be used as medical or food-related products.

Ways to Choose the Best TPE Materials?

Here are some ways that will help you choose the right TPE material;

  • Application Requirements: Find out the strategic requirements of the application you have in mind (e.g., flexibility, hardness & temperature resistance).
  • Mechanical Properties: The tensile strength, elongation, and tear strength have to be tested.
  • Environmental Resistance: Always consider factors such as resistance to UV, chemicals, and heat.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Facilitating compliance with related standards (e.g. of FDA or REACH).
  • Processing Method: Match the TPE to your manufacturing process (for example injection molding, extrusion).

Ways to Choose the Best Silicone Materials?

The following factors will help you understand how to choose the best silicone material.

  • Temperature Range: Choose a silicone that is suitable for the different ranges of temperatures in different applications.
  • Chemical Exposure: Consider the resistance of silicone to different chemicals.
  • Mechanical Properties: Determine the hardness, tensile strength, and % elongation.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Make sure the silicone satisfies certain requirements, such as medical grade silicone or food grade silicone.
  • Special Properties: Look for electrical insulation and transparency of silicon. Besides this, also check the stability of the color.

Silicone molding parts

Is Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Safe To Use?

TPE is considered a safe material in so far as it shall not undergo hard conditions that are likely to damage the Polymer matrix. Safety considerations include:

  • Biocompatibility: TPEs are safe and even good for medical and food contact applications
  • Non-toxicity: Non-toxicity is the general characteristic of most TPEs. However, there may be some dangerous additives included.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Make sure that TEPs meet all the compliance and regulations standards.

You could move to is TPE safe page to know more about TPU material.

Is Silicone Safe To Use?

Silicone is generally safe for different uses in medical and food applications. Safety features include:

  • Non-reactive and Inert: This material has no chemical compatibility issues. It does not chemically interact with most substances that come in contact with it. It makes it directly in contact with food and the skin.
  • Biocompatibility: Medical silicone is used in implants and medical applications.
  • Heat and Chemical Resistance: Under and or extreme conditions, silicone retains its stability hence deeming it safe.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Make sure that the silicone you are using complies with all the requirements of safety.

You could move to is silicone safe page to know more about TPU material.

Differential between TPE vs Silicone

Here are some major differences between TPE vs Silicone.

1. Temperature resistance

Temperature resistance is one of the key distinctions between TPE and silicone. Silicone has no melting point and strong heat resistance. Its mechanical qualities do not degrade at temperatures between 200 and 450°C.

TPE melts between 260 and 320°C. It has a poorer heat resistance. Because of this, TPE is appropriate for uses that require recyclability and flexibility. They are best for consumer goods, automotive parts, and medical equipment.

2. Chemical resistance

The chemical resistance of silicone and TPE is another difference. Silicone is impervious to the majority of chemicals, water, oxidation, and ozone. It cannot withstand steam, alkalis, acids, trichloroethylene, hydrocarbon fuels, or aromatic hydrocarbons. Because of this, silicone is appropriate for uses requiring a high degree of chemical stability, like insulation, kitchenware, and medical devices. Water, oils, greases, and some solvents are all resistant to TPE. Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents cannot break it. Because of this, TPE is appropriate for products that need a modest level of chemical stability.

3. Recyclability

. Because silicone takes high temperatures and specific catalysts to break down its bonds. so, it is not easily recyclable. As a result, silicone is more expensive to dispose of and less environmentally friendly. TPE can be melted and reformed several times without losing its quality. Hence, it is easily recyclable. Because of this, reusing TPE is less expensive and more environmentally beneficial.

4. Processing method

The fourth difference lies in the processing methods of silicone and TPE. Processes for handling silicone include liquid injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, and injection molding. Because of this, processing silicone becomes costlier and more difficult. However, it is easy to process TPE.

5. Colours

Both, Silicone Rubber and TPEs provide full spectrum color selections. Silicone rubber is typically translucent when used as a raw material. Colorants used during the manufacturing process mixing stage can produce hues. They can be opaque, translucent, or transparent. But you can easily generate a wide range of colors with TPE.

6. Complex Geometry

Silicone rubber fills extremely long, thin areas of a mold with ease and flows into molds with a range of wall thicknesses.  into a mold to guarantee full fill-out. When developing TPE parts, it is better to radius all sharp corners and maintain as uniform a part wall thickness as feasible.

7. Overmolding

Since Silicone rubber cures at high temperatures.  It reduces the possibility of the substrate melting or deforming.  Overmolded thermoplastic polymers (TPEs) when chosen correctly will produce a cohesive, strong connection with the thermoplastic substrate without the use of primers or adhesives.

8. UV Resistance

A transparent item that has turned yellow due to UV sterilization may still function flawlessly. But still, many people will find it unsettling. Since Silicone rubber is naturally resistant to UV light, it won’t deteriorate in the sun. Typically, these stabilizers work by selectively collecting UV rays. Then release the energy as low-temperature heat.

So, in short, the following table will summarize the major difference between TPE vs Silicone.

 

Feature TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Silicone
Material Type It is a blend of rubber and plastic It is a kind of synthetic polymer
Texture TPE is often softer and more flexible Firmer and even more elastic.
Durability It is less durable and can tear easily, It is more durable and has higher tear resistance
Heat Resistance It offers lower heat resistance. So, it can melt Offers high heat resistance
Cleaning Much simple to clean and contains fewer pores. It requires more care and has more pores.
Lifespan A shorter lifespan. So, it can degrade over time. Longer lifespan and even more stable.
Cost Generally cheaper than other More expensive than TPE
Hypoallergenic Less likely to be hypoallergenic Generally hypoallergenic
Weight Lighter in weight Heavier in weight
Color Options Limited availability, but can fade Available in a wide range of colors and colorfast.
Use Cases Have many applications in making toys, seals, and grips. Highly used to make Medical, culinary, and high-temperature applications.

Silicone material

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are certain parallels and variations between the properties and applications of silicone and TPE. Although silicone is highly resistant to heat and chemicals, recycling it requires complicated procedures  You can select either of the two materials based on your requirements and needs. In general, TPE is more flexible and leads to simple processing. it is a cost-effective solution for making different products at moderate temperatures. Besides this, it is recyclable and fits well with consumer goods. On the other hand, silicone has a high heat resistance and chemical stability. That is why, it can excel in high-temperature conditions. But this is a bit expensive and less flexible as compared to TPE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the similarities between TPE and Silicone?

TPE and Silicone are similar in many ways such as, they both are elastomers. They both offer rubber-like flexibility and have numerous applications in making different products. Moreover, they are more durable and can be customized for specific properties, These properties make them non-toxic for safe use in medical and food items.

Q2. What are the key differences between TPE and Silicone?

A few properties of TPE are ease of processing, flexibility, and relatively low cost. However, it cannot handle high temperatures. Silicone is heat and chemical-resistant and is used for high temperatures or rigorous use.

Q3. Are TPE and Silicone suitable for medical use?

Absolutely yes, TPE is used in flexible medical applications, such as catheters. Silicone is mostly used due to its high heat stability and biocompatibility for core applications in the medical industry.

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How To Make Plastic Injection Molding Toys

molding toys

What is plastic injection molding toys?

Plastic injection molding toys are plastic toys that are molded by plastic injection molding manufacturing technology. This plastic mold technology can produce millions of identical plastic molding toys with a high degree of precision and accuracy. To save the plastic toy unit cost, the injection molding process will be one of the best manufacturing methods produce a wide variety of plastic molding toys.  including those that are popular during the holiday season.

This process involves injecting molten plastic into a mold, where it is cooled and solidified into the desired shape. Injection molding is an efficient and cost-effective way to mass produce plastic toys, and it allows for a high level of customization and design flexibility.

As Christmas approaches, many parents and gift givers start to think about what toys they will be buying for the children in their lives. Plastic injection molding toys can be a great option for a number of reasons. Here are just a few:

  1. Durability: One of the biggest benefits of plastic injection molded toys is that they are extremely durable. Unlike toys made from other materials, such as fabric or paper, plastic toys can withstand rough play and accidental drops. This makes them a great choice for children who are known to be hard on their toys.
  2. Safety: Safety is always a top concern when it comes to children’s toys. Plastic injection molding toys are made with high-quality materials that are free of harmful chemicals and toxins. This means that they are safe for children to play with and handle.
  3. Variety: There is a virtually endless variety of plastic injection molded toys on the market. From action figures and dolls to educational toys and puzzles, there is something for every child’s interests and age group.
  4. Customization: Injection molding allows for a high level of customization when it comes to toy design. Companies can create custom molds for their toys, allowing them to create unique and one-of-a-kind items that stand out on store shelves.
  5. Affordability: Plastic injection molding toys are often more affordable than other types of toys. This makes them a great option for parents and gift givers who are working with a budget.

If you are considering purchasing plastic injection molded toys for the holidays, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

First, be sure to choose toys that are appropriate for the age and interests of the child you are buying for. It is also important to pay attention to any safety warnings or age recommendations that come with the toy.

In addition to these considerations, you may also want to think about the environmental impact of the toys you are purchasing. While plastic injection molded toys are durable and long-lasting, they can still end up in landfills if they are not properly disposed of. To help reduce waste and protect the environment, consider purchasing toys that are made from recycled materials or that can be easily recycled once they are no longer being used.

Important cost for injection molding toys.

Before making injection-molded toys, you need to have toy molds according to your custom toy design; this is the initial mold cost for your toy project. The plastic toy mold is made of metal and is divided into two parts: the moving half, known as the “cavity side,” and the fixed half, the “core side.”

The cost of injection molding toy molds depends on the toys size and design complexity and the number of toys you plan to make in one injection mold. The basic cost for injection molding toys will be around $500 to $10,000, or even more. You can go to the How Much Does an Injection Mold Cost page to know more about the cost of injection molds.

Once the toy mold is completely finished, fasten the toy mold into an injection molding machine, which we call the molding process, which heats plastic pellets in a hopper until they melt. The molten plastic is then pumped into the toy mold under high injection pressure, and as the plastic cools and hardens inside the mold cavity and core, it becomes the shape of the toy. After the plastic has cooled and become solid, the mold is opened and the toy is extracted.

This is a basic plastic molding procedure for toys that may be done several times to create multiple identical toys. Below is basic injection molding, in which the same process is used to produce the injection molding toys.

Basics of plastic injection molding procee for molding toys

The basics of plastic injection molding involve melting the chosen thermoplastic down to a liquid state within a hopper, then injecting it into a mold until it is dry and is able to be popped out and sent on down the assembly line for painting, staining, or further assembly if it is a toy with numerous parts. It is also possible to insert numerous colors of plastic into the same mold so that no additional coloring process is necessary afterward, a tricky and impressive process that saves both time and money. Santa is a big fan of efficiency; particularly considering he delivers toys all in one night.

Not only are classic plastic toys produced by plastic injection molding processes but gifts that Santa would bring for teenagers and adults can also be partly produced by various injection molding processes. For example, electronic gadgets such as iPads have a plastic cover on them that would be quickly and easily mass-produced by way of plastic injection molding. Other items would include office supplies such as the bodies of pens, movie covers, pill bottles, make-up containers, and many other items that could all be given as gifts at Christmas.

Overall, plastic injection molded toys can be a great option for the holidays. They are durable, safe, and offer a wide variety of options for children of all ages. Just be sure to choose age-appropriate toys and consider their environmental impact when making your purchase.

If you are looking for any plastic molding toys or Plastic Christmas Toys for your business, send us your requirement for quotation, we offer you the best price for any of your custom plastic molding toys or Plastic Injection Molded Christmas Toys.

Plastic molding toys

Plastic molding toys

Are you having a challenge in finding plastic toy mold manufacturer to manufacture your injection molding toys?  This review is a guideline on how to find an injection molding toys manufacturer.

How to find a plastic molding toys company?

If you are going to make some silicone toys or injection molding toys, the first thing you need to do is find injection molding toy factories.
Injection molding toys

Below there are three ways in which you can find toys mold/molding manufacturers;

Sourcing plastic molding toys factories online

There are so many websites that you can search and find plastic molding toy manufacturers online. As we are living in a digital world, finding a manufacturer is a click or a tap away. The suggestions online are very many, so you will choose one that serves you best and has good terms. First, you start by consulting them on the price they do manufacture. Then you will compare them all, and the best choice is to hire the one with a fair price or the lowest price.

plastic injection moulding toys

We made many type of plastic injection molded toys, contact us to get a quote now.

Moreover, the terms of the payment method are another factor to consider before you pick the manufacturer. You need to consider manufacturers whose terms and methods of payment are available and transparent to you.

After getting the price quotation, you need to ask the toy mold/molding manufacturer to send you samples of the work they have done before. Here, you will be trying to identify the one with unique and quality products. Quality is a key consideration, as you need a toy product that will last for a long time. Being unique is also a factor in avoiding monotony and commonness.

Finally, you need to know the minimum order quantity of manufacture so as to identify if the plastic toy manufacturer is within the boundaries of your order. Some manufacturers’s minimum order quantity is way too high for you to meet it. This is the easiest and most convenient way.

Find a professional plastic molding toy source agent.

Another way to find a plastic molding toys mold manufacturer is by finding a professional source agent. The agents mostly have information on suggestions based on years of experience according to your specifications and requirements.

What the agents do is act as an intermediary between you and the manufacturer. You give them your quotation and the specific requirements you need, and they will recommend you manufacture from their wide source of information and experience.

The agents do all the work for you by sourcing the injection molding toys manufacturers for you and linking you to the manufacturers. After the professional agent sources the manufacturer, they will advise you on the best way to make payment and get your products delivered to you within the specified period.

The only problem with this is that there will be an additional fee for the professional source agent. Again, they can recommend a manufacturer who will not deliver quality work, as they act as brokers between you and the manufacturer. This is a way to find manufacturers by those who are busy and committed to finding them by themselves. I assume everyone would rather deal with the business directly with the plastic molding toys company to save cost, but this is still an idea.

Looking for mold suppliers to make injection-molded toys for you? Contact us to get a quote for your injection-molded toys.

By attending an exhibition to find a plastic injection molding toys factory

Attending a plastic injection molding toys exhibition can help you find a toy manufacturer. The method is very convenient, as you get to see the sample the manufacturer has made and the price they do offer. Additionally, you get a chance to talk face-to-face with different manufacturers and interact on a personal level.

You could ask them about the quality of the product and why their toys product is better than others in the market over the competitors. Here at the exhibition, you gain more knowledge about the product and get to decide which manufacturer to choose, considering their product quality, price, duration of manufacturing, minimum order quantity, and method of payment.

The best thing about attending an exhibition is that you can find a plastic molding toys manufacturer who is giving a commission and save yourself some money. Attending an exhibition gives you a chance to ask for a recommendation from professionals who have no business interest in the product. Attending an exhibition is the best way to find a manufacturer to manufacture your toys at affordable prices with the best quality and offers.

Conclusion

Apart from these three ways, there is another way to find an injection plastic molding toy factory, where you ask for a recommendation from people who are in the same business. The challenge with this is that some recommendations can be biased depending on personal or business interests. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends.

The most recommendable way is to source online or ask for a recommendation from your friends.

Sincere Tech is one of the top 10 injection molding toys companies in China that makes lots of plastic molding toys and silicone toys for toy companies. Some of these plastic injection-molded toys include custom plastic building blocks toys, car molding toys, train mold toys, plastic roof toys, plastic lifter toys, plastic doll toys, etc.

If you are looking for contract injection molding toys factories from China to make your plastic molding toys or silicone toys, contact us to get a price. We will solve your issue from toy design, prototype, massive production, assembly, and packing, all in one-stop service.

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