{"id":94,"date":"2023-09-14T18:51:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T17:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/in\/2023\/09\/14\/injection-molding\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T16:54:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:54:31","slug":"injection-molding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/in\/blog\/injection-molding\/","title":{"rendered":"Injection molding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Injection molding<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Author<\/p>

Robin Conrad<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Injection molding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Injection molding equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the technical side, the injection molding process requires an injection molding machine<\/strong> and a mold<\/strong> specifically made for the part to be produced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Injection molding machine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An injection molding machine consists of three main parts: the injection unit, the mold, and the clamping or ejection unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the injection unit<\/strong>, a hopper feeds the plastic into an injection ram or screw-type plunger and heating unit. Once the required amount of molten plastic has accumulated, the injection process is started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The material is melted by heat\/shear and injected into the mold with high pressure<\/strong>. There, the injection molded parts are formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clamping unit<\/strong> or ejection unit<\/strong> has the task of opening and closing the mold and ejecting the molded products. Toggle type clamping units are the most common which consist of platens to hold the mold. These platens, usually arranged vertically on the frame of the injection molding machine, can be compared to an internal press that exerts a strong clamping force. Alternatively, straight-hydraulic type clamping units use a hydraulic cylinder to exert the clamping force on the mold. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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An injection molding machine with its 3 main parts: Injection unit, mold and clamping unit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Clamping force<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The clamping force can range from a few tons<\/strong> to several thousand tons<\/strong>. Because of this wide spectrum, presses are commonly classified by their tonnage, which indicates the clamping force that the machine can exert. The required tonnage to mold a specific part depends on its projected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rule of thumb is usually 5 tons per square inch for most products. However, exceptions apply for very stiff plastic materials as they require a higher injection pressure and clamping force to keep the mold closed. Larger parts also require a higher clamping force.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The duo speed from ENGEL MACHINERY INC. is an excellent example of a sophisticated injection molding machine. Image used with permission.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Mold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The mold, sometimes simply referred to as \u201ctool\u201d<\/strong>, is the heart of the entire process. It is a hollow metal block into which the molten plastic is injected to create the desired shape. The mold has many holes in it for temperature control and venting. Temperature is controlled using water, oil or a heater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its simplest form, the mold consists of two halves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The cavity<\/strong> (the front) and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. the core<\/strong> (the back).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Conversely, injection molded parts usually have two sides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. The A-side<\/strong> of the part, usually the more visually appealing one, faces the cavity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. The B-side<\/strong>, also called the functional side<\/strong>, usually contains the hidden structural elements of the part. Its surface is therefore often rough and shows traces of the ejector pins.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      The molten plastic flows through a sprue into the mold and fills its cavities. After cooling and solidification, which usually account for about half of the injection molding cycle, the mold is opened and the molded parts are ejected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      A mold usually consists of two halves, the cavity and the core, which together define the shape of the molded part.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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      The mold is the heart of the injection molding process. The material used depends on the quantities and the conditions of use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Good to know<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Molds are expensive to manufacture and for this reason are used for mass production of thousands up to millions of parts. They are typically made of hardened or pre-hardened steel, but can also be made of aluminum and\/or a beryllium copper alloy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Mold material<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Steel molds<\/strong> are more expensive to produce, but also last longer. If a greater number of parts can be produced, the cost of the steel mold can justify the added cost. Hardened steel molds<\/strong> are superior in wear resistance and durability. Pre-hardened steel molds<\/strong> are less wear resistant and used for lower quantities or larger parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The less expensive aluminum molds<\/strong> can be economical for manufacturing tens or even hundreds of thousands of parts. Beryllium copper alloy<\/strong> is used where rapid heat dissipation is required or where high shear heat is present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Mold design<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      The mold can be compared to the negative of a photo<\/strong>, where the surface structure and geometry of the mold is transferred to the finished part. It also includes features such as the gating system<\/strong> for material flow and internal cooling channels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To produce thousands or even millions of parts with precision and repeatability, mold makers need an enormous amount of expertise<\/strong>. That’s because a mold can be very complex with various consideration such as wall thickness, corners, ribs, undercuts and threads. The high development effort is also the reason why the mold usually accounts for the largest part of the start-up costs in injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The cost of molds<\/strong> can vary greatly: Straight drawn molds with simple geometries for small production runs are relatively easy to develop and cost a few thousand dollars. More advanced molds for large-scale production and with complex geometries come at a much higher cost because they require retractable cores or inserts. These movable elements are inserted into the mold from above or below to produce parts with overhangs, such as an opening or cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Mold design is often done in-house by machine manufacturers<\/strong> or specialized companies<\/strong> and requires consideration of raw materials and the use of finite element analysis<\/strong>. Moldmakers, or toolmakers, make the molds from metal, usually steel or aluminum, and precisely CNC mill them to shape the desired features. Recent advances in 3D printing materials allow for the production of molds for smaller batches at a lower cost compared to traditional methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The gating system<\/strong>, also known as runner system<\/strong>, controls the flow and pressure and funnels the molten plastic into the mold. The molten plastic flows through the following channels as it enters the mold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. The sprue<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. the main runner<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. the sub-runner<\/strong> and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. the gate<\/strong> or \u201cfeeding port\u201d, which is the narrow channel between the sub-runner and the mold cavity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        In addition, a cold slag well<\/strong> commonly collects the cold slag in the injection molding process to prevent a blockage in the sub-runner or gate, so that the remaining hot material can flow into the mold cavity without complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The production of multiple parts often requires multiple sprues. The sprue systems are separated from the parts after ejection. Injection molding is a low-waste manufacturing method<\/strong>, with the sprue systems being the only material waste. A portion of this waste can even be recycled or reused, depending on the material.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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        Gating system<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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        Mold makers can choose among several types of gates<\/strong> depending on various considerations, such as part orientation (A-side vs. B-side), ease of mold production, material selection, material flow, part size, trimming behavior and scrap cost. For more information, refer to the injection molding gating guide<\/a> by Basilius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Molds also include a closing system<\/strong> with two main purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Keep the two parts of the mold firmly closed during injection and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. push the injection molded part out of the mold after opening.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          The ejected part then falls onto a conveyor belt or into a container and is stored or assembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Because the various moving parts of the mold can never be aligned 100 percent, two defects<\/strong> can be seen on almost every injection-molded part:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Parting lines, which are visible where the two halves of the mold meet, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. ejector marks, which are caused by the ejector pins.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Types of gates (selection)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Molding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            The term \u201cmolding\u201d<\/strong> refers to the material filling the sprue, the cold slag well, the runners, the gates and the section of the mold cavity that forms the parts all combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Depending on the material<\/strong><\/a>, the contents of the sprue, cold slag well, runners and gates may be discarded<\/strong> \u2013 or reground<\/strong> and reused<\/strong> in another injection molding cycle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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            Process characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            The process cycle for injection molding is very short<\/strong> and takes between a few seconds and two minutes, depending on the size of the part. The process can be divided into four main steps: Clamping<\/strong>, injection<\/strong>, cooling<\/strong> and ejection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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            Injection molding process<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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            Step 1: Clamping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Before the material is injected into the mold, the two halves of the mold must be securely closed<\/strong> by the clamping unit. The clamping unit presses the mold halves firmly together while the material is injected. Larger machines with higher clamping forces require more time to close.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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            Step 1: Clamping<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Step 2: Injection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            The raw material, usually plastic granules, is conveyed from the injection unit to the mold, thereby it is melted<\/strong> by heat and pressure. The molten plastic, the shot, is then injected<\/strong> through the sprue system into the mold, where it fills the entire cavity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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            Step 2: Injection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Step 3: Cooling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            In the mold, the molten plastic begins to cool<\/strong> as soon as it comes into contact with the inner mold surfaces. When the material cools, it solidifies<\/strong> again and takes shape. The mold remains closed until the required cooling time has elapsed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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            Step 3: Cooling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Step 4: Ejection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            The cooled part is ejected from the mold<\/strong> using the ejector system: When the mold is opened, the molded part is pushed out of the mold by a mechanism. Depending on the gate design, the part is either separated automatically from the rest of the molding, or by cutting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            After ejection, a conveyor belt moves the molded part to storage<\/strong>, assembly or post-processing<\/strong>. Simultaneously, the mold is closed again for the next shot and the injection molding process is repeated<\/strong>. In some cases, the injection molded parts are ready for immediate use, while others require varying degrees of post-processing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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            Step 4: Ejection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Types of injection molding<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Traditional vs. decoupled injection molding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            In traditional injection molding<\/strong>, the injection is performed at a constant pressure to fill and compress the cavity of the mold. However, this could result in the dimensions of the moldings varying greatly from cycle to cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In decoupled injection molding<\/strong>, the injection process is separated into two stages for increased control of part dimensions and shot-to-shot consistency:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Fill the cavity to about 98% using speed control, then<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. fill the remaining 2% using pressure control.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Decoupled injection molding is also called scientific injection molding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Single-component and multi-component injection molding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              In the injection molding of plastics, a distinction is made between single-component<\/strong> and multi-component<\/strong> injection molding. Depending on the number of materials used, multi-component injection molding is differentiated into 2K injection molding<\/strong>, 3K injection molding<\/strong>, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              2K refers to two-component injection molding, where a soft material<\/strong> (e.g. TPE) is molded around a hard material<\/strong> (e.g. PP). 3K is similar to 2K, but with an extra layer or component.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Possible defects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Various defects can occur in the injection molding process: machine-dependent<\/strong> or material-dependent defects<\/strong> as well as defects that can be both machine-dependent and material-dependent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The following section is an attempt to somewhat categorize defects<\/strong> and present examples<\/strong>. In practice, there are so many possible causes of molded part defects that it is unrealistic to describe them all in a written article.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Equipment-dependent defects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Equipment-dependent defects are due to technical reasons. For example, excess molten material can escape from the mold if the injection pressure is too high or the clamping force of the mold is too low, a defect called flash<\/strong> or flashing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Uneven cooling can cause parts to warp<\/strong>. If the mold design or the molding process do not correctly account for the shrinkage that normally occurs during cooling, parts can warp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Bubbles<\/strong> on the molded parts appear when the mold or the material are too hot. This defect is usually machine-related and caused by a lack of cooling around the mold or a heater not working as intended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Flash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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              Warping<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Material-dependent defects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Polymer degradation<\/strong> is an example for a material-dependent defect. If the material has gone through hydrolysis, oxidation or another cause of polymer degradation, the molded parts will show it in the form of cracks, discoloration or similar defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Another material-dependent defect: Short shots<\/strong>. If there is not enough material in the injection molding machine, the molded part will have unfilled sections. Alternatively, this can also be causes by insufficient flow rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Polymer degradation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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              Short shot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Equipment and material-dependent defects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              As equipment and material affect each other, it is common to have defects caused by both. For example, sink marks<\/strong> can be an equipment-dependent defect if the cooling rate is too high. This can make the surface of the part solidify before the material in the center has time to flow in place. Alternatively, they can be a material-related defect as some materials, such as filled or reinforced resins, have a higher tendency to shrink and display sink marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Examples of equipment-related defects that cause ejector marks<\/strong> are poor mold design (especially regarding gates), poor ejector pin design or inadequate mold maintenance. On the other hand, material-related defects such as brittleness or low impact resistance could also lead to ejector marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Again, this list of defects and their reasons is incomplete. We are merely presenting some examples.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Sink marks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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              Ejector marks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Good to know<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              Kuraray’s raw materials are excellent additives that can help reduce molded part defects in injection molding. They can improve important material properties, such as flow and shrinkage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Injection molding materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              All thermoplastics<\/strong>, as well as some thermosets<\/strong> and elastomers<\/strong> are suitable materials for injection molding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The most frequently used thermoplastics<\/strong> in injection molding worldwide are polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              As “soft” materials for 2K and 3K injection molding, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)<\/strong> are most commonly processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              It is rather uncommon for thermosets<\/strong> to be used in injection molding. This is because of their cross-linking density and their inability to be re-melted and reshaped. However, some thermosets are used as additives<\/strong> in certain applications such as improving the properties of thermoplastic parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The materials are usually available as small pellets<\/strong> or as a fine powder<\/strong>. In some cases, they are liquid<\/strong>. By adding various additives<\/strong>, the properties of the molded parts or the processability of the material can be improved. Examples of additives include colorants for color or glass fiber for increased stiffness. However, there are also more advanced additives, such as the specialty elastomers from Kuraray<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Each material requires different parameters during processing to get the desired molded parts. These include injection temperature<\/strong> and pressure<\/strong>, mold and ejection temperature<\/strong> as well as cycle time<\/strong>. Depending on how these parameters are set, the appearance, dimensions and mechanical properties of the molded parts change considerably. In addition to the appropriate technology, a great deal of experience is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              The material pyramid shows the different properties of various injection-moldable polymers and which applications they are suitable for.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Thermoplastic elastomers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)<\/a><\/strong> are materials with a rubber-like elasticity<\/strong> and the processability of thermoplastics<\/strong>. In other words, they can be stretched like a rubber band and melted and molded into a wide variety of shapes and sizes. After cooling, they keep their elasticity. If needed, they can be re-melted and re-molded again later on, which also implies less material waste in processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The processability of TPEs makes them an excellent material for injection molding<\/strong>. Unlike rubber, they do not require vulcanization<\/strong>, which is a time-intensive rubber processing method. Due to their diverse applications<\/a><\/strong>, they are a well-suited material<\/strong> for many industries and purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              To learn more about the material properties of different kinds of TPEs, please refer to the following table.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              This overview shows how TPEs are to be classified alongside other materials.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
              Properties\/Materials<\/td>TPS<\/td>TPO<\/td>TPVC<\/td>TPU<\/td>TPC<\/td>TPA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Shore Hardness<\/td>30A \u301c 70A<\/td>60A \u301c 95A<\/td>40A \u301c 70A<\/td>80A \u301c 80D<\/td>90A \u301c 70D<\/td>40D \u301c 65D<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Tensile strength (MPa)<\/td>9.8 \u301c 34.3<\/td>2.9 \u301c 18.6<\/td>9.8 \u301c 19.6<\/td>29.4 \u301c 49<\/td>25.5 \u301c 39.2<\/td>11.8 \u301c 34.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Elongation (%)<\/td>500 \u301c 1,200<\/td>200 \u301c 600<\/td>400 \u301c 500<\/td>300 \u301c 800<\/td>350 \u301c 450<\/td>200 \u301c 400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Rebound resilience (%)<\/td>45 \u301c 75<\/td>40 \u301c 60<\/td>30 \u301c 70<\/td>30 \u301c 70<\/td>60 \u301c 70<\/td>60 \u301c 70<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Density (g\/cm\u00b3)<\/td>0.91 \u301c 0.95<\/td>0.88<\/td>1.2 \u301c 1.3<\/td>1.1 \u301c 1.25<\/td>1.17 \u301c 1.25<\/td>1.01<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Abrasion resistance<\/td>Fair<\/td>Poor<\/td>Fair<\/td>Excellent<\/td>Fair<\/td>Good<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Bending resistance at room temperature<\/td>Good<\/td>Fair<\/td>Good<\/td>Good<\/td>Excellent<\/td>Excellent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Heat resistance<\/td>\u301c 80\u00b0C<\/td>\u301c 120\u00b0C<\/td>\u301c 100\u00b0C<\/td>\u301c 100\u00b0C<\/td>\u301c 140\u00b0C<\/td>\u301c 100\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Oil resistance<\/td>Poor<\/td>Fair<\/td>Good<\/td>Excellent<\/td>Excellent<\/td>Excellent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Weather resistance<\/td>Poor - good<\/td>Good<\/td>Fair - good<\/td>Fair - good<\/td>Fair<\/td>Good<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Brittleness temperature<\/td>< -70\u00b0C<\/td>< -70\u00b0C<\/td>-50\u00b0C \u301c -30\u00b0C<\/td>< -70\u00b0C<\/td>< -70\u00b0C<\/td>< -70\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Applications<\/td>Footwear,
              \nresin blends,
              \nadhesives,
              \nasphalt modification<\/td>              		Automotive hoses \/ tubes,
              \nconsumer goods<\/td>              		Automotive,
              \nelectric wires \/ cables,
              \ncivil engineering \/ construction<\/td>              		Footwear,
              \nindustrial goods,
              \nconsumer goods,
              \nmedical goods<\/td>              		Automobiles,
              \nelectronics,
              \nindustrial goods<\/td>              		Sporting goods,
              \nindustrial goods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
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              Thermoplastic elastomers from Kuraray<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              Kuraray offers high-performance plastics for injection molding to achieve better material properties<\/strong>. Whether for complete parts<\/strong> or as flexible PVC\/rubber replacements<\/strong>, the key properties of these plastics add real value<\/strong> to your products and help make your processes more efficient<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Kuraray’s materials facilitate the efficient production<\/strong> of plastic components on a large scale<\/strong>. For 2K injection molding, Kuraray offers high-performance TPEs that can serve as soft functional components<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              SEPTON\u2122<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

              SEPTON\u2122<\/a><\/strong> is a series of styrenic thermoplastic elastomers developed by Kuraray. The Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers (HSBCs)<\/strong> consist of styrene-based hard blocks and a hydrogenated diene soft block. HSBCs exhibit rubber-like elasticity<\/strong> since the hard block acts as a crosslinking point below the glass transition temperature of polystyrene and the soft block provides elasticity. Hydrogenation generates excellent heat and weather resistance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              SEPTON\u2122<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              By adding SEPTON\u2122 and plasticizer to polyolefins<\/strong>, good injection moldability<\/strong> and flexible molded parts<\/strong> can be obtained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              By using SEEPS grades of SEPTON\u2122, emboss transferability<\/strong> is improved, and adhesion in insert molding<\/strong> is also improved.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              SEPTON\u2122 BIO-series<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

              With SEPTON\u2122 BIO-series<\/strong><\/a>, Kuraray offers a unique hydrogenated styrene farnesene block copolymer (HSFC)<\/strong> \u2013 which makes Kuraray the first and only manufacturer<\/strong> of bio-based HSBC materials on the market. SEPTON\u2122 BIO-series thermoplastic elastomer represents a new solution for manufacturers that enables new compounds and end-uses with a high bio-based content<\/strong> to expand existing market areas and open up new ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              For additional benefits, please refer back to the previous section about SEPTON\u2122 or contact sales<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              SEPTON\u2122 BIO-series<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              HYBRAR\u2122<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

              HYBRAR\u2122<\/strong><\/a> is a truly unique triblock copolymer<\/strong> consisting of polystyrene end blocks<\/strong> and a vinyl bonded rich poly-diene mid-block<\/strong>. Due to its peak tan delta near room temperature, HYBRAR\u2122 exhibits high vibration damping<\/strong> and shock absorption<\/strong> properties \u2013 even without integrated plasticizer<\/strong>. These TPEs are available as durable hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated grades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              HYBRAR\u2122<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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              Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              By adding a small amount of HYBRAR\u2122 to polypropylene<\/strong>, the crystallinity is lowered <\/strong>and the transparency can be improved<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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              Liquid rubbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Liquid rubbers are widely used as \u201creactive plasticizers\u201d or modifiers in rubber and plastic and can also be used in injection molding. Liquid rubbers are liquid polymers with lower molecular weight and they have the same chemical structure as a solid rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Liquid rubbers are in a liquid state at room temperature, while exhibiting rubber-like properties after chain elongation and cross-linking. Examples of liquid rubbers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n