WALDKRAIBURG, Germany—A global producer of thermoplastic elastomers is offering a new "supersoft" TPE based on the needs of its customers.
Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. K.G. recently released the TPE for extremely soft applications, including orthopedic and bicycle equipment uses, as well as lids for cosmetics and toys.
Known as Thermolast S, the next-generation material is an innovative extension of the company's previous supersoft TPEs.
"Our TPEs are an important step," said Eugen Andert, product development engineer at Kraiburg TPE. "Based on various customer requests, we have incorporated our many years of experience with an established product into further development and we are pleased to present Thermolast S, a range of compounds perfectly tested and equipped for all requirements that supersoft TPEs have to meet."
According to Kraiburg, the new TPEs have a texture similar to human skin, with a low hardness range of 30 to 50 Shore 00, or 45 to 70 very low rubber hardness.
"The materials' substantially reduced tendency to oil out, for example, and enable high-quality gel pad applications and optimizes ejection of the finished parts during processing," Kraiburg said.
The soft TPEs can be manufactured using injection molding or 3D processes, and are certified for use in skin irritation applications, orthopedic instruments and toys. They are available in clear and custom-colored options.
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