NexPrene TPV gets production approval from Ford, DaimlerChrysler

SHIRLEY, Mass. (Sept. 26)—Thermoplastic Rubber Systems Inc., the fledgling producer of thermoplastic vulcanizates launched last year, said it received approval from Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler A.G. for several grades of its NexPrene TPV. The material, produced by a new, patent-pending process, can be used in injection molded, extruded or blow molded applications, the company said. TRS claims its material's tear strength is 30 percent better than competitive established materials and offers tensile strength as much as 10 percent greater than those materials.