Our Polyether Block Amide PEBA Injection Molding Services
Elevate your product performance with Yigu Technology’s Polyether Block Amide (PEBA) Injection Molding services—the gold standard for flexible, high-performance thermoplastic elastomer components. From micro-precision medical catheters to high-rebound sports shoe midsoles, we combine state-of-the-art clean-room facilities, multi-cavity tooling, and biocompatible resin expertise to deliver consistent, cost-effective PEBA parts. Backed by ISO 13485/9001 certifications and 24/7 production support, we turn your PEBA molding challenges into market-leading solutions.
What Is PEBA Injection Molding?
Polyether Block Amide (PEBA) injection molding is a specialized manufacturing process that shapes PEBA thermoplastic elastomer—a unique flexible block copolymer—into custom parts via high-pressure injection into precision molds. Unlike rigid plastics or traditional rubbers, PEBA blends the elasticity of elastomers with the processability of thermoplastics, making it ideal for applications requiring both flexibility and structural integrity.
At its core, PEBA plastic molding leverages the material’s segmented structure: hard polyamide (PA) blocks provide strength and chemical resistance, while soft polyether (PE) blocks deliver flexibility and low-temperature toughness. This balance explains why PEBA is the material of choice for industries ranging from medical to sports equipment.
Key Characteristics of PEBA Molding
| Characteristic | Description | Relevance to Molding |
| Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Behavior | Softens when heated, hardens when cooled—reversible process | Enables high-volume production via injection molding |
| Block Copolymer Structure | Alternating hard PA and soft PE segments | Customizable flexibility/strength ratios for targeted applications |
| Low Density | Typically 0.91–0.98 g/cm³ | Reduces part weight without sacrificing performance |
| Broad Melt Temperature Range | 180–260°C (varies by grade) | Accommodates diverse molding setups and part complexities |
Our PEBA Injection Molding Capabilities: Precision Meets Scale
Yigu Technology’s PEBA injection molding capacity is engineered to handle projects of all sizes—from micro-scale prototypes to high-volume production runs—without compromising on quality. Our facility is equipped to meet the most demanding industry standards, with a focus on tight tolerances and advanced molding techniques.
Core Capabilities at a Glance
| Capability | Specification | Ideal Applications |
| Tolerance Control | ±0.005 mm for micro parts; ±0.02 mm for standard components | Medical catheters, hearing-aid seals |
| Micro PEBA Molding | Parts as small as 0.5 mm (length) with intricate features | Cardiovascular device components, micro-connectors |
| High-Volume Production | Up to 10 million parts/year (via multi-cavity tooling) | Sports shoe midsoles, consumer electronics grips |
| Clean-Room Molding | Class 8 (100,000) and Class 7 (10,000) certified rooms | Biocompatible medical parts (USP Class VI compliant) |
| Advanced Molding Techniques | 2-shot molding, gas-assist molding, insert/over-molding | Multi-material parts (e.g., PEBA over-molded pacemaker leads) |
The PEBA Injection Molding Process: Step-by-Step Excellence
Achieving consistent PEBA parts requires strict control over every process step—from resin preparation to final degating. Below is our optimized workflow, designed to minimize waste and maximize part quality.
Step 1: Resin Drying & Preparation
PEBA absorbs moisture easily, which can cause bubbles or defects in molded parts. We dry PEBA resin grades at 80–100°C for 4–6 hours (depending on grade) using desiccant dryers to ensure moisture content <0.05%. Pigmented PEBA pellets or modified formulations (e.g., anti-static or radiopaque) are blended uniformly to maintain color/property consistency.
Step 2: Melt Temperature & Screw Design
The PEBA melt temperature window is critical: too low, and the resin won’t flow evenly; too high, and it degrades. We target 190–240°C (adjusted by grade) and use specialized screws with:
- Deep feed zones to prevent shear heating
- Low-compression ratios (1.5:1 to 2:1) to avoid polymer breakdown
- Smooth barrel surfaces to reduce friction (critical for low-shear molding)
Step 3: Injection & Mold Filling
Resin is injected into the mold at pressures of 800–1,200 bar, with injection speeds tailored to part thickness (slower for thin walls to avoid jetting). Our in-mold cooling systems use precision water channels to control temperature (typically 30–40°C) and reduce PEBA molding cycle time—we average 15–45 seconds per cycle (varies by part size).
Step 4: Demolding & Degating
After cooling, parts are demolded gently to avoid warping. We use automated PEBA degating techniques (e.g., laser cutting or punch tools) to remove runners cleanly, ensuring smooth, burr-free edges—critical for medical and electronic applications.
Step 5: Quality Inspection
Every batch undergoes 100% dimensional checks (via CMM machines) and material property testing (tensile strength, elongation, rebound). For medical parts, we also conduct biocompatibility and FDA compliance audits.
PEBA Materials: Custom Formulations for Every Industry
The performance of your PEBA part starts with the right resin. We offer a wide range of PEBA resin grades for molding, each optimized for specific application needs—from FDA-compliant medical devices to high-rebound sports gear.
Popular PEBA Formulations We Supply
| Formulation Type | Key Properties | Target Industries |
| FDA-Compliant PEBA Compounds | Non-toxic, sterilizable (autoclave/ETO), USP Class VI certified | Medical (tubing, catheters, orthodontic aligners) |
| High-Rebound PEBA Grades | 65–85% rebound rate (ASTM D2632), excellent energy return | Sports (shoe midsoles, protective gear) |
| Anti-Static PEBA Formulations | Surface resistance <10⁹ Ω, dust-repellent | Electronics (grips, connectors) |
| Radiopaque PEBA Modifiers | X-ray visible (barium sulfate or bismuth oxide additive) | Medical (vascular catheters, surgical instruments) |
| Pigmented PEBA Pellets | UV-stable, color-fast (Pantone-matched) | Consumer goods (headphone sleeves, watch bands) |
PEBA Surface Treatment: Enhancing Functionality & Aesthetics
PEBA’s natural surface is smooth but may require treatment to improve bonding, printability, or wear resistance. Our surface engineering services ensure your parts meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
Common PEBA Surface Treatments
| Treatment Method | Purpose | Benefits |
| Plasma Treatment for PEBA | Surface activation (increases surface energy) | Improves adhesion for over-molding or bonding; enhances paint/ink retention |
| Chemical Etching | Creates micro-roughness on the surface | Boosts bond strength with adhesives or other polymers (e.g., in 2-shot molding) |
| Pad-Print & Laser-Mark | Adds logos, part numbers, or safety info | Permanent, high-contrast marking (ideal for medical/automotive parts) |
Advantages of PEBA: Why It Outperforms Other Materials
PEBA’s unique combination of properties makes it a superior choice for applications where flexibility, durability, and precision matter. Below are its key advantages over rubbers, rigid plastics, and other TPEs:
- Flexibility with Memory: Maintains shape after repeated bending (critical for kink-resistant IV tubes or flexible connectors).
- Low-Density Benefit: Up to 30% lighter than rubber, reducing shipping costs and improving end-product ergonomics (e.g., hearing-aid seals).
- Energy Return Value: Delivers 60–80% energy return (vs. 40–50% for EVA), making it ideal for sports-shoe midsoles that enhance performance.
- Chemical Resistance Plus: Withstands oils, solvents, and bodily fluids (perfect for medical devices and automotive dampers).
- Cold-Impact Toughness: Remains flexible at -40°C (vs. rigid plastics that become brittle), suitable for outdoor or industrial applications.
Clarity & Colorability: Available in clear grades (for orthodontic aligners) or custom colors (for consumer electronics), with excellent UV stability.
PEBA Injection Molding Applications: Across Industries
PEBA’s versatility has made it a staple in industries worldwide. Our clients rely on our molding expertise to create parts that solve their most pressing challenges:
| Industry | Key Applications | Our Molding Solution |
| Medical | PEBA molded medical tubing, cardiovascular catheters, pacemaker leads, orthodontic aligners | Clean-room molding, USP Class VI resins, tight tolerances (±0.005 mm) |
| Sports & Fitness | High-rebound running-shoe inserts, ski boot liners, yoga mat grips | High-volume multi-cavity tooling, high-rebound PEBA grades |
| Automotive | PEBA automotive dampers, door seals, wire harnesses | Chemical-resistant formulations, 2-shot molding (PEBA + PP) |
| Electronics | PEBA consumer electronics grips, headphone sleeves, connector gaskets | Anti-static PEBA, pad-print marking, low-shear molding (to protect sensitive components) |
| Industrial | PEBA flexible connectors, pump diaphragms, valve seals | Kink-resistant grades, gas-assist molding for complex geometries |
Case Study: How We Solved a Medical Device Client’s Kink Problem
A leading medical device manufacturer approached us with a critical issue: their existing IV tube (made from PVC) kinked easily, disrupting fluid flow and risking patient safety. They needed a kink-resistant IV tube that was also biocompatible and sterilizable.
Our Solution:
- Material Selection: Recommended a USP Class VI biocompatible PEBA grade with high flexural modulus (200 MPa) for kink resistance.
- Mold Design: Used gas-assist molding to create a reinforced tube wall (0.8 mm thick) with a smooth inner diameter (ID) for unobstructed flow.
- Process Control: Optimized in-mold cooling to reduce cycle time from 60 to 35 seconds, enabling high-volume production.
Results:
- The PEBA IV tube withstood 10,000 bending cycles without kinking (vs. 500 cycles for PVC).
- Met FDA and ISO 10993 requirements for biocompatibility.
Reduced the client’s production costs by 18% (via faster cycles and lower material waste).
Why Choose Yigu Technology for Your PEBA Injection Molding Needs?
When it comes to PEBA injection molding, not all suppliers are equal. Yigu Technology stands out for our commitment to quality, flexibility, and customer support:
- Certified Excellence: Our plant is ISO 13485 (medical) and ISO 9001 (quality) certified, ensuring compliance with global standards.
- End-to-End Expertise: From in-house PEBA tool design & flow simulation (using MoldFlow software) to final logistics, we handle every step.
- Rapid Prototyping: Get functional PEBA prototypes in 5–7 days (vs. 2–3 weeks from competitors) to accelerate your product development.
- 24/7 Production Support: Our team is available around the clock to address issues, ensuring on-time delivery even for urgent orders.
- Competitive Pricing: We leverage high-volume purchasing and efficient processes to offer PEBA parts at 10–15% below market averages.
Global Logistics: JIT delivery to 30+ countries, with full PPAP and FDA DMF documentation for regulated industries.