Versatile Standard Thermoplastic Elastomers

GEL SMART’s T-GELS are oil-based TPE gels available in soft to firm durometers.  Unlike our mineral-oil based gels, T-GELS exude virtually no oil on contact with the skin.  They are formulated to absorb high shock and shear forces for high-impact applications.

For practical purposes, T-GELS can be viewed as a hybrid between silicone and mineral-oil gels.  They offer unique opportunities for matching the functionality of silicone at greatly reduced cost.

T-GELS are ideal for use in cushioning and shock-absorption products such as · insoles and · heel cups.  They also perform extremely well in uses ranging widely from · medical devices to · personal care appliances to · sporting good products.

Overview

T-GELS are exceptionally versatile materials that can be used in place of silicone gels in many higher-durometer foot care and orthotic applications.  They conform and cushion to reduce friction and abrasion, absorb horizontal and shear forces, and relieve pressure.  The materials used in these gels permit the use of efficient technologies that translate to significantly lower production and end-product costs.

 
Properties and Benefits
Compounds are available in many Shore hardness ranges, including 0-99 Shore A, 0-99 Shore D and 00-99 Shore 00.

• Extremely durable
• Excellent tensile strength
• Excellent memory and recovery
• Mold very well and can take on an accurate impression.
• Optical properties range from transparent to opaque and can be colored to specification.
• Long product life
• Washable with soap and water and reusable
• Do not support microbial or fungal growth.
• Minimal oil exudation against the skin

Applications
T-GELS are ideally suited for consumer health care products, especially foot and hand care.  Other market opportunities include:

• Sporting good products, combined with athletic footwear for pressure relief
• Cushioning for wheel chairs and bed pads up to 24 x 24 inches
• Ergonomic aids
• Houseware products
• Footwear soles and heels
• Toys
• Keycaps
• Cosmetic cases
• Handles and grips

Technology
No mixing or vulcanization is required for processing the thermoplastic elastomers used in T-GELS.  Product yields are higher, and cycle times are faster than available in other materials providing comparable performance.  These factors contribute to tangible cost-savings for our OEM and private-label customers.

Production Options
T-GELS can be produced efficiently using extrusion to make sheeting and other forms. This methodology optimizes cost benefits while maintaining consistent quality.

In addition, injection molding can be used to produce T-GEL components in sizes ranging from very small to approximately 24 x 24 inches for sheeting and molded items of medium size (such as bicycle seats).  Dual-durometer molding is also available for T-GELS.