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Alcryn vs. TPEs
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 In the past, Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) were a designer’s only cost-effective replacement for vulcanized rubber. With the advent of innovative MPE technology from APA, designers now have a variety of replacement choices, including the superior properties of Alcryn MPR. As you can see in the adjacent stress/strain curve, MPR is much closer to thermoset rubber in performance, plus you get these important advantages over TPEs:
Superior durability.
Alcryn MPR retains its original performance properties for years. Tests show Alcryn outperforms TPEs in critical areas like resistance to harsh weather conditions such as rain, heat, and ultra violet (UV) light. Alcryn has superior toughness and chemical resistance.
In tests of elasticity, dimensional stability, and wear, only Alcryn MPR exhibits the linear stress/strain performance characteristics of vulcanized rubber. Many common TPEs are based on crystalline or glass-like rigid plastics – a far cry from the soft, flexible properties of rubber. So it’s no surprise that they don’t measure up to Alcryn.
The fastest cycle times.
A key benefit of Alcryn MPR is that a part made with MPR can be injection molded faster than a part made with TPEs. Because Alcryn MPR is amorphous, it softens but never melts. As a result, part dimensions are locked as soon as injection process shear stops, and the part can be de-molded immediately with little cooling time.
A better bond to ETP substrates.
More and more designers are using overmolding and co-extrusion to hit their performance and cost targets. Alcryn MPR bonding grades adhere better than TPEs to amorphous engineered thermoplastics (ETPs) like PC, ABS, PC/ABS, and ASA. You’ll achieve a better chemical bond and get Alcryn’s toughness, too.
Outstanding oil and fuel resistance.
As the adjacent heat and oil resistance table demonstrates, Alcryn exhibits superior oil swell performance compared to TPEs and TPVs. And APA has developed MPE grades that outperform TPEs in fuel contact applications. Find out which grades will perform best for you.
A better finish than TPEs.
Better knit line features and flow characteristics allow you to produce a more uniform finish than you can with TPEs. Alcryn MPR also colors brilliantly in a wide range of palettes, and is available in translucent or clear. With MPR, you get an attractive, smooth part that feels great and is also tough and durable.
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