Trelleborg advances elastomer technology for multi-component bonding

Stuttgart, Germany – Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (TSS) has developed a technology to improve the bonding of thermoplastics materials to thermosetting elastomers in the production of multi-component parts.

The technology involves a “one-step process bond" between plastics and thermosetting elastomer materials "without pre-treatment, adhesives, surface preparation or any other additional steps,” said Trelleborg.

The “exceptionally reliable process” can include a high level of automation with integrated visual or functional quality checks, Trelleborg added in a 12 Jan statement.

TSS has so far validated nearly 50 different material combinations, for example those involving fluororubbers, and aims to build an extensive database of combinations linked to customer requirements. 

The multi-component technology will enable manufacturers to meet design goals, such as making products more compact, light weighting, increasing robustness, and improving quality, said Neal Borg, product manager at TSS.

According to Trelleborg, bonding thermoplastics to thermosetting elastomers, or rubber, with the necessary strength has not been possible until now. 

Established ways exist for the production of parts by bonding plastic to thermoplastic elastomer and plastic to liquid silicone rubber (LSR). 

These processes, however, require an engineered plastic base to withstands the heat required for over-moulding, according to the company statement. 

Trelleborg said a recent poll during a technical webinar showed that 88% of attendees were “most interested” in thermoplastics to thermosetting elastomer for multi-component parts.

“This confirms there is a real demand in the market for this type of product,” Borg said. 

“With the validated material bonding options we have, we can now begin working confidently on thermoplastic to thermosetting elastomer multicomponent projects,” he added.