WALDKRAIBURG, Germany—Kraiburg TPE is supplying a skin-friendly thermoplastic elastomer for a protective headgear manufactured by Austria-based Pfanner Schutzbekleidung GmbH.
The company is providing a "high-performance compound" from its VS/AD/HM Thermolast K series to be injection molded for the headband part of Protos Headset Integral, according to a March 4 press release.
In addition to its soft-touch surface feature, the TPE offers "outstanding adhesion" and high mechanical properties, in addition to being cost-effective processing for the manufacturer, Kraiburg TPE said.
The material also will not cause pressure marks and skin irritations or tug on the wearer's hair, according to the release.
With high flowability, the TPE allows for the injection molding of the "relatively large" headband with high repeatability and with clean and homogenous impression without skin marks. Kraiburg TPE also noted that the compounds can be precisely colored, while offering UV stability.
The compound combines a hardness of 60 Shore A with high tensile strength, tear strength and breaking strength.
The wear-resistant surface also has long-term resistance to creams and common household detergents, the company statement added.
The TPE meets the requirements of ISO 10993-10 for irritation-free tolerability of materials for applications that are in contact with skin.
The Protos Headset Integral was specifically developed for capsule ear protection, with the advantages of a modular structure and compact size.