Appliances

In major appliances, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) must be durable, resistant to hot water, seal at low or high temperatures and provide long service life.

In many small appliance applications, soft touch materials can enhance the overall look and feel of the product.

In all appliance types, TPEs can provide product differentiation. Unique textures range from silky to ribbed to gel-soft. Standout colors include metallics, pearlescents, thermochromics* and the fascinating depths of geometric metamerism**.

* Can be used to change color at a specific activation temperature.
** An effect where the color changes as the viewing angle shifts.

Features	Benefits
Broad range of touch and functionality	Enhanced design flexibility
Available from opaque to translucent to clear Easily colored, from appliance white to tomorrow's hues Range of effects from pearlescent to metameric and beyond Range of surface appearances from rough to silky to smooth	Enhanced aesthetics Product differentiation
Range of resilience and compliance	Excellent sealing Noise reduction Flexible assembly
Resistance to detergents, hot water	Long service life
Capable of overmold bonding to wide range of materials, including engineering plastics	Product differentiation Reduced assembly, cycle time

Example TPE applications include:

Gaskets and seals
Corrugated hoses
Washer/dryer wheels and feet
Pump grommets
Ice cube dispenser components
Handles and grips
Buttons and knobs

Product Families

Dynaflex and Versaflex compounds are suitable for appliance applications requiring flexibility and excellent appearance.
Versalloy compounds are high performance TPV alloys with enhanced flow and processability characteristics.
Versollan compounds, based on TPU, offer excellent toughness and oil resistance for the most demanding applications.