Vague Drawing Instructions

Many manufacturers work with drawings that were created years or even decades ago. These prints often include material notes such as “TPV,” “rubber-like,” “flexible elastomer,” or similar broad descriptions. While these terms were once sufficient, they do not reflect today’s material options or the performance expectations of modern applications. As a result, engineers and purchasing teams frequently ask us what materials should be used when a print or drawing does not specify a brand, grade, or detailed elastomer type.

Many legacy prints or drawings were created when rubber compounds were more common and when early TPVs were still new. Designers often used generic language because specific grades were still evolving and supply chains were limited. Now that the industry has matured, OEMs have the opportunity to work with materials that are well-defined, consistently produced, and supported by reliable data. Santoprene TPV (EPDM/PP) offers that confidence, making it a suitable update for older “rubber-like” or “TPV” entries. 

A Stable Material

Santoprene TPV (EPDM/PP) has become the practical, modern replacement for these legacy callouts. When older drawings referenced “TPV,” they were usually referring to early generations of thermoplastic vulcanizates available at the time. Those materials varied widely in quality and consistency. Today, Santoprene provides a stable, well-supported formulation with reliable long-term availability and performance. For most applications, it meets or exceeds the intent of the original specification.

Converting a legacy callout does not require altering the original function of the part. In most cases, the transition simply involves selecting a Santoprene grade with the appropriate hardness and performance characteristics. Because the material is consistent from batch to batch, it often improves dimensional stability and reduces variation in sealing and fit. Customers benefit from predictable performance without deviating from the intent of the original design.

Sherwood’s Assistance

Sherwood Industries assists customers in reviewing these legacy prints and identifying the correct Santoprene grade to match the required application. We evaluate the original parts, the environmental conditions, and the functional requirements to ensure the updated material meets expectations. In many cases, customers gain improved performance and reduced cost while maintaining full compatibility with existing tooling and designs.

For companies working through prints that have been in use for years, updating material notes brings clarity and reduces confusion for both engineering and procurement teams. Santoprene (EPDM/PP) offers a modern, reliable alternative that aligns with how today’s extrusion materials are specified and supported. Sherwood Industries provides the guidance and in-house extrusion capability to help customers make these transitions smoothly.