Automotive Plastic Routing and Retaining Clips with TPV Inserts


Increasingly, plastic is being used to replace metal for various vehicle applications. A key use of plastic is in the manufacture of automotive routing and retaining clips as supports for vehicle fluid lines and assemblies. Because these critical components must be protected from vibration, abrasion, temperature extremes and chemical exposure, the use of clips containing TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizates) is becoming increasingly common.

Automotive Plastic Routing and Retaining Clips with TPV Inserts: About TPV

TPV compounds represent the next step up in performance for Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE). TPV compounds combine the characteristics of vulcanized rubber with the properties of thermoplastics. Most TPV compounds are a vulcanized combination of fully cured EPDM particles encapsulated in a polypropylene matrix. TPV compounds give superior sealing performance, as well as resistance to extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and harsh environments.

Plastic routing and retaining clips with TPV inserts are preferred where the key concern in the routing and support of such lines is to protect against the effects of movement and abrasion. The TPV insert in these clips fully surrounds the fluid line at the point of contact, providing secure anchoring of the line with no movement or abrasion.

Automotive Plastic Routing and Retaining Clips with TPV Inserts: Applications

At CRG, we supply automotive plastic routing and retaining clips with TPV inserts to leading OEM vehicle programs for the following types of applications:

  • Transmission lines

  • Brake lines

  • Power steering lines

  • Fuel lines

  • HVAC and windshield washer fluid lines

These clips consist of a molded plastic body containing a fully integrated TPV insert (see image on this blog for examples). The plastic and TPV compounds that CRG uses in the production of clips are specific to each customer’s application and needs.

Advantages of Automotive Plastic Routing and Retaining Clips with TPV Inserts

CRG automotive plastic routing and retaining clips with TPV inserts offer the following benefits:

  • Durable designs, custom produced to customer specifications for each application.

  • Fully molded construction, with the TPV insert fully integrated into the finished part.

  • Assembly-efficient designs, incorporating anti-abrasion, anti-rotation, and anti-squeak/rattle features.

  • Resistance to dust, water, and chemical exposure.

Compared to metal, using plastic routing and retaining clips with TPV inserts in vehicle programs can provide the following advantages:

  • Reduced part costs. Plastic costs less than metal, and the fully integrated TPV insert eliminates the need for multiple components to be produced.

  • Reduced assembly costs. CRG clip designs consider the ergonomics and challenges associated with assembly line installation. As a result, the assembly labour and time for installation is reduced.

  • Reduced tooling costs. Tooling for plastic is cheaper than the tooling need to stamp and form metal clips.

  • Decreased weight. Plastic clips weigh less than their metal counterparts, contributing to the lightweighting of vehicles.

  • Superior performance. Unlike metal, plastic does not corrode or rust. The latest-generation TPV compounds have superior performance characteristics compared to older-generation rubbers.

CRG has over 25 years’ experience in supplying automotive rubber products to vehicle OEM’s and their supply chains. We provide a full portfolio of services, including providing product development support through testing, proving and prototyping (including PPAP), material selection guidance, inventory warehouse management to support JIT delivery, CAD drawing support, EDI, bar coding, and global logistics management.

Many of the world’s leading automakers, including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz, rely upon CRG to supply their automotive rubber needs.

To find out more about the automotive plastic routing and retaining clips with TPV inserts which CRG can supply, please contact our sales department at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.