GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers (McHenry, IL) has been granted a patent for a line of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) that bond to polyamides (PA) regardless of their supplier, chemistry, or additives for insert or two-shot overmolded components. Based on its Versaflex chemistry, the TPE platform fulfills immediate needs within the power tool market, where elastomers can provide aesthetics, ergonomics, a non-slip grip, and shock absorbency to PA housings.

U.S. Patent # 7,435,776, was issued to GLS on Oct. 14, 2008, and the company says the technology also works with PA grades reinforced with glass fiber or those containing other additives like colorants. Krishna Venkataswamy, senior director for GLS, global TPE technology, said the technology solves a nagging dilemma in the market where “industry has been frustrated for quite some time because there was no single TPE that could deliver dependable overmolding results with PA substrates from various suppliers.” The grades can be customized to specific feel, modulus, hardness, and color. GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers is a PolyOne company, acquired by that firm in January 2008. —[email protected]