Multi-Substrate Overmolding TPE | Universal Grip Compounds for PP, ABS, PC
Multi-Substrate / Universal Overmolding TPE
Universal overmolding TPE compounds designed to bond to multiple substrates such as PP, ABS and PC/ABS,
helping simplify tooling, material management and inventory for grips, handles and soft-touch zones.
These grades are suitable for 2-shot and insert molding and are often used where the same tool or part
family is produced in different core materials, but a consistent TPE grip and appearance is required.
PP / ABS / PC/ABS
Universal Grip
2-Shot / Insert
Shore 50A–80A
Applications
Universal overmolding TPE is typically selected when:
- The same grip design is used on different cores (PP, ABS or PC/ABS) in one product family.
- Multiple molders or plants use different core materials but want a common TPE supply.
- Tooling is shared between programs and core material may change over time.
Typical Grades
| Grade | Hardness | Substrate Coverage | Key Performance | Processing | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPE-MULTI 55A Soft | 55A | PP / ABS / PC/ABS | Soft-touch, good multi-substrate adhesion, comfortable grip | Injection (2-shot / insert) | Consumer grips, shared platform handles |
| TPE-MULTI 65A Balance | 65A | PP / ABS / PC/ABS | Balanced strength, friction and abrasion resistance | Injection (2-shot) | Tools, appliance handles, electronics grips |
| TPE-MULTI 75A Tough | 75A | PP / ABS / PC/ABS | Higher mechanical strength, better cut and wear resistance | Injection | Heavy-use grips and bumpers |
| TPE-MULTI 80A Firm | 80A | PP / ABS / PC/ABS | Firm support, edge and protective pads, good scratch resistance | Injection | Structural contact areas and guards |
Note: Universal grades are formulated as a compromise between different substrates. For critical applications,
dedicated “single-substrate” grades may still be recommended.
Key Advantages
- One TPE for several core plastics – simplifies inventory and approvals.
- Supports shared tooling when core materials vary between projects or customers.
- Consistent appearance and grip feeling across product variants.
- Reduced qualification workload vs. separate TPE for each substrate.
- Thermoplastic system – recyclable, shorter cycles than rubber solutions.
Customization Options
- Hardness range: Shore 50A–80A to cover soft grips and firm support areas.
- Adhesion balance: tuned for PP-dominant, ABS-dominant or PC/ABS-dominant portfolios.
- Surface feel: high-friction grip or smoother satin touch with controlled gloss.
- Color matching: common brand colors across different product series.
- Options for low-odor or low-VOC requirements.
- Recipe fine-tuning after initial trials on your PP, ABS and PC/ABS grades.
Processing & Recommendations
- Dry TPE compounds at 70–80 °C for 2–3 hours before molding.
- Typical TPE melt temperature: 180–210 °C, depending on hardness and flow.
- Substrates (PP, ABS, PC/ABS) should be molded with clean, release-free bonding surfaces.
- 2-shot molding is preferred for best adhesion; insert molding is also possible with proper interface temperature.
- For projects with mixed substrates, verify adhesion on all planned core materials during trials.
- Use peel or shear tests to confirm that bonding levels meet your internal acceptance criteria.
Target Markets
- Brand owners with product lines using different core plastics but common grip design.
- OEM/ODM factories serving multiple customers with varying substrate preferences.
- Tool and appliance makers sharing molds between PP, ABS and PC/ABS programs.
- Electronics and consumer goods producers seeking fewer TPE SKUs across projects.
Request Samples / TDS
Need to cover PP, ABS and PC/ABS with one overmolding TPE family?
Contact us for multi-substrate sample grades and technical data sheets, and we can help evaluate
whether universal or single-substrate solutions are more suitable for your project.
Explore related materials:
Overmolding TPE Overview |
TPE Overmolding on PP |
TPE Overmolding on PC / PC+ABS
