C 2FD32E Silicone Thermoplastic Elastomer: Alternative to TPSiV® 3345-65A (DuPont / formerly Dow, Dow Corning)
Brand Alternative
C 2FD32E is a silicone thermoplastic elastomer developed in-house by Xresin. Silicone is finely and uniformly dispersed as micro-particles in a thermoplastic matrix, combining a silky, silicone-like feel with direct injection molding and recyclability. Customers already use C 2FD32E to replace TPSiV® 3345-65A, cutting costs and improving efficiency. TPSiV® 3345-65A was first launched by Multibase, a Dow Corning company, later belonged to Dow, and is now supplied by DuPont.
Skin-contact products such as smartwatch straps, phone cases and earphones need a silky, silicone-like feel that does not attract dust, yet manufacturers also want to injection mold, overmold and regrind scrap like an ordinary plastic. Silicone thermoplastic elastomers are designed for exactly this, but imported grades come with high prices, long lead times and limited flexibility for small batches and color matching.
C 2FD32E is a silicone thermoplastic elastomer developed in-house by Xresin: silicone is uniformly distributed as micro-particles in a thermoplastic matrix, forming a "sea-island structure". The silicone phase provides the feel and stain resistance, while the thermoplastic matrix provides strength and processability. With our in-house dispersion process and additive system, the material shows no surface blooming and retains its feel over time.
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Brand Alternative
Silicone-like feel · No surface blooming · Lower cost, higher efficiency
Customers already use C 2FD32E in volume production to replace TPSiV® 3345-65A. We recommend sampling and mold trials, plus overmolding and weathering validation, before switching.
Which grade does C 2FD32E benchmark against?
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Xresin grade | C 2FD32E |
| Benchmark grade | TPSiV® 3345-65A |
| Original manufacturer | DuPont; formerly Dow Corning / Dow |
| Material | Silicone thermoplastic elastomer (silicone TPV) |
| Application | Soft-touch overmolding, wearables |
| Performance benchmark | Alternative; sample validation per part recommended |
Is TPSiV® 3345-65A from Dow Corning, Dow or DuPont?
All three names refer to the same grade. The TPSiV® brand has belonged to different companies over time, so your datasheets and purchase records may say Dow Corning, Dow or DuPont. Whichever company your documents name, C 2FD32E can be used to replace TPSiV® 3345-65A.
- Dow Corning:Began developing TPSiV® in 1999 and launched it after acquiring Multibase in 2002; early datasheets are signed "Dow Corning / Multibase".
- Dow (The Dow Chemical Company):In 2016 Dow took full ownership of Dow Corning's silicones business and Multibase became a Dow subsidiary; datasheets are signed "Dow" and "Dow Corning".
- DowDuPont:Transition period during the Dow–DuPont merger.
- DuPont:TPSiV® is now part of DuPont's Multibase™ product family and is supplied by DuPont.
Advantages of the alternative
- Silicone-like feel:Silky, dry surface that is not tacky and resists dust pickup
- No surface blooming:The silicone phase is stably dispersed in the matrix, so the feel is retained in long-term use
- Alternative:customers already use it in volume to replace TPSiV® 3345-65A
- Lower cost, higher efficiency:Produced and supplied in China, with more predictable cost and lead times
- Direct injection molding:Processable on standard injection molding equipment; suitable for overmolding and two-shot molding
- Recyclable:Thermoplastic material; sprues and runners can be reground and reused at a defined ratio
- Convenient color matching:Color matching to color cards, with color samples provided
Why does C 2FD32E have a silicone-like feel?
C 2FD32E uses a "sea-island structure": silicone micro-particles (the "islands") are uniformly distributed in a continuous thermoplastic matrix (the "sea").
The silicone phase near the surface delivers a silky, silicone-like touch, stain resistance and comfort; the continuous thermoplastic matrix provides strength and toughness and allows the material to be melt-processed by injection molding and recycled like an ordinary plastic.
The finer and more uniform the silicone particles, the smoother the feel and the lower the tendency for surface blooming or tackiness. Xresin achieves this with in-house developed processes and additives; specific formulations and processes are not disclosed.
C 2FD32E typical properties vs. published TPSiV® 3345-65A values (old and new)
C 2FD32E values are typical, for reference only and not a specification. Two sets of TPSiV® 3345-65A data are listed: the earlier official Dow Corning / Dow datasheet and the DuPont data currently available online; the two sets also differ from each other. Test standards, conditions and specimens are not identical, so values should not be compared directly; sample testing is final.
| Property | Test Standard | Unit | C 2FD32E Typical Value | 3345-65A earlier Dow Corning / Dow official datasheet | 3345-65A current DuPont published data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ISO 868 | Shore A | 71 | 71.4 (15 s) | 70 (15 s) |
| Specific Gravity | ISO 1183 | — | 1.11 | 1.15 | 1.17 (1170 kg/m³) |
| Melt Index (10 kg/190 °C) | ISO 1133 | g/10 min | 48 | 13.5 | Not listed |
| Mold shrinkage | — | % | Not provided | 1–3 | Not listed |
| Elastic modulus | ISO 37 | MPa | 6.4 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Tensile Strength | ISO 37 | MPa | 18 | 6.8 | 7.3 (stress at break) |
| Elongation at Break | ISO 37 | % | 821 | 540 | > 300 |
| Modulus (100% strain) | ISO 37 | MPa | 2.9 | 3.15 | 3.3 |
| Tear Strength | ISO 34 | kN/m | 55 | 38 | 41 |
| Compression Set (22 h/23 °C) | ISO 815 | % | 29 | 25 | Not listed |
| Compression set (22 h/70°C) | ISO 815 | % | Not provided | 58 | Not listed |
| Flow length (8 MPa) | — | mm | Not provided | Not listed | 280 |
Why choose C 2FD32E as an alternative?
- Lower cost, higher efficiency:Where part requirements are met, it lowers material cost per part and reduces post-processing steps such as soft-touch coating.
- Lead time and supply:Produced in China, reducing the impact of long lead times and irregular deliveries of imported grades.
- Customized to requirements:Formulations can be adjusted to hardness, feel, overmolding substrate and color requirements.
- Multiple matrix options:In addition to the grade benchmarked against 3345-65A, we offer silicone thermoplastic elastomers based on polyolefin, polyurethane (TPU), polyamide elastomer and other matrices.
- Mold trial support:Run sample mold trials first, confirm feel, appearance and overmold adhesion, then switch to volume production.
How to select a silicone thermoplastic elastomer
- Hardness:Watch straps and phone cases typically use Shore A 60–80, selected according to rebound and feel requirements.
- Overmolding substrate:Confirm whether the rigid substrate is PC, ABS, PC/ABS or PA; different substrates require different elastomer matrices.
- Feel and appearance:Surface effects such as silky, matte or glossy, as well as coloring requirements for light and bright colors.
- Abrasion and scratch resistance:Areas under long-term friction (straps, handles) require attention to abrasion and scratch resistance.
- Chemical resistance and weathering:Where parts contact sweat, hand cream, cleaning agents or outdoor sunlight, corresponding resistance tests are required.
- Tear strength and elongation:Strap buckle holes, thin-walled snap fits and similar features have higher tear resistance requirements.
How to switch from the original grade to C 2FD32E
- Share your current grade:Tell us the grade you currently use (e.g. TPSiV® 3345-65A), the part application and annual volume.
- Confirm requirements:Specify hardness, feel, overmolding substrate, color and the tests the part must pass.
- Solution matching:Our engineers assess suitability as an alternative and recommend C 2FD32E or grades from other matrix series.
- Sample mold trials:Validate feel, appearance, overmold adhesion and relevant tests on your molds and equipment.
- Volume supply:After approval, volume production begins, with datasheets and other documents provided for each batch.
Main Applications
- Smartwatch and fitness band straps
- Soft-touch housings such as phone cases and tablet covers
- Earphone and TWS earbud housings and ear hooks
- Skin-contact parts for wearables and sports protective gear
- Soft-touch overmolding for handles, tools and personal care appliances
- Buttons and decorative parts for remote controls and electronics
Other TPSiV® grades: we can make alternatives too
Besides 3345-65A, TPSiV® includes the 4000, 4200 and 5300 series. The table lists published typical values of common grades for reference. Xresin can develop an alternative for any of these grades to suit your part; for grades not listed, send us the grade and datasheet for evaluation.
- 4000 series:UV stable and easy to color; bonds to PC, ABS, acrylic, nylon and other polar substrates.
- 4200 series:Higher chemical and mechanical resistance; bonds to PC, ABS, acrylic, nylon and other polar substrates.
- 5300 series:Suitable for food and potable water contact; bonds to polyolefins (e.g. PP).
| TPSiV® grade | Hardness (Shore A) | Density | Service temperature | Bonding substrate | Xresin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000-50A | 51 | 1.1 | -30°C ~ 120°C | PC/ABS/ASA | Alternative available |
| 4000-60A | 62 | 1.1 | -30°C ~ 120°C | PC/ABS/ASA | Alternative available |
| 3345-65A | 70 | 1.17 | -30°C ~ 120°C | PC/ABS/ASA | Replaced in volume by C 2FD32E |
| 4000-75A SR | 77 | 1.1 | -30°C ~ 120°C | PC/ABS/ASA (nylon optional) | Alternative available |
| 4200-70A | 73 | 1.18 | -40°C ~ 150°C | PC/ABS/ASA (nylon optional) | Alternative available |
| 4200-75A SR | 78 | 1.17 | -40°C ~ 150°C | PC/ABS/ASA | Alternative available |
| 5300 A6002 | 60 | 0.9 | -30°C ~ 130°C | Polyolefin | Alternative available |
Data are typical values from DuPont's published TPSiV® product literature, for selection reference only; actual properties of alternative grades are subject to sample testing.
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FAQ
Can C 2FD32E replace TPSiV® 3345-65A?
Yes. Customers already use C 2FD32E in volume production to replace TPSiV® 3345-65A, cutting costs and improving efficiency. Based on your part's hardness, overmolding substrate and test requirements, we recommend sampling and mold trials first.
Is TPSiV® 3345-65A from Dow Corning, Dow or DuPont?
Yes, it is the same grade. TPSiV® was first launched by Multibase, a Dow Corning company; after 2016 it belonged to Dow along with Dow Corning, and it is now part of DuPont's Multibase™ product family. Whichever company your datasheet names, C 2FD32E can replace it.
What is the difference between a silicone thermoplastic elastomer and a standard TPE?
A silicone thermoplastic elastomer has a silicone phase dispersed in its thermoplastic matrix, giving a feel closer to silicone, a silkier surface, less dust pickup and better stain resistance. A standard TPE usually contains no silicone phase and differs in feel and stain resistance.
Does C 2FD32E bloom or become tacky?
C 2FD32E uses in-house developed processes and additives to stably disperse silicone in the matrix, so under normal conditions of use the surface does not bloom or become tacky. We recommend confirming this with aging and weathering tests on samples according to your product standards.
What are the typical properties of C 2FD32E?
Typical values: Shore A hardness 71, specific gravity 1.11, melt index 48 g/10 min (190 °C/10 kg), tensile strength 18 MPa, elongation at break 821%, tear strength 55 kN/m, compression set 29% (22 h/23 °C). Typical values are for reference only and are not to be construed as specifications.
Besides 3345-65A, can other TPSiV® grades be replaced?
Yes. For common grades of the TPSiV® 4000, 4200 and 5300 series (e.g. 4000-50A, 4000-60A, 4000-75A SR, 4200-70A, 4200-75A SR, 5300 A6002), we can develop alternatives to suit your part. We also offer silicone thermoplastic elastomers on polyolefin, polyurethane (TPU) and nylon elastomer bases. Send us your current grade and datasheet for evaluation.
Can you provide certificates and test reports?
Yes. Certificates and test reports are provided by grade and batch. Please contact our staff or visit the Certificate Download page.
How do I request a C 2FD32E sample?
Please provide the original grade, part application, overmolding substrate, color and annual volume, and contact Sales Manager Mr. Zhu at +86 186 803 78990 ([email protected]) or submit a sample request online.
TPSiV® is a registered trademark of its owner, currently held by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. and previously by Dow Corning Corporation and The Dow Chemical Company; DuPont, Dow and Dow Corning are trademarks of their respective owners. These companies, brands and grades are mentioned solely to describe performance benchmarking and brand history; Xresin is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by any of them. Reference data are taken from public datasheets and product literature for reference only; C 2FD32E is Xresin's own grade.
Tell us about your product and performance requirements
Sales Manager Mr. Zhu · +86 186 803 78990 · [email protected]