CONNECTION WITH A COMPONENT PRODUCED OF A THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER

摘要

The invention relates to a process for bringing about a permanent connection between at least two components, one of which components is obtained by moulding of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, characterized in that the component is subjected to a treatment comprising the following steps: a) stretching of the component of thermoplastic elastomeric material; b) relaxation of the component subjected to step (a) at ambient temperature; c) placement of the component obtained sub (b) at the location of the desired connection in the object; d) exposure to an increased temperature of at most about 20 DEG C below the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer. Application of the process of the invention, in particular during step (d), produces a shrunk connection which provides a permanent seal under tension. The invention may be applied for many types of connections and seals, for example body plugs, shrink-on sleeving, sealing rings, etc. Especially suitable, particularly in automotive applications, are copolyether esters.