TPE portfolio for automotive and consumer applications expanded

"Fakuma is the largest trade fair specializing in plastics processing in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)," emphasizes Franz Hinterecker, CEO of KRAIBURG TPE. "With our comprehensive materials expertise, sound knowledge of the market and consistently close customer relations, we'll be offering visitors to the fair a comprehensive demonstration of competence covering every aspect of thermoplastic elastomers."

New compounds for soft-touch automotive interior applications

With FG/SF, the new THERMOLAST® K series and latest innovation for the automotive industry, KRAIBURG TPE is expanding its portfolio in this growing market segment. The series comprises several compounds in the Shore A hardness range between 50 and 80 with excellent surface properties for automotive interior parts – properties that include reliable adhesion to polypropylene and good abrasion resistance. The materials can be processed at relatively low pressures. Along with the standard black and natural colors, customer-specific colors are also available.

The new FG/SF compounds also comply with all common OEM standards for components used in automotive passenger compartments in relation to emission and smell as well as UV-resistance. The target applications range from floor mats and anti-slip mats with complex geometry that require enhanced surface quality to decorated surfaces and functional parts with a pleasantly soft touch, such as thumb wheels and switches.

FDA-compliant TPEs for multi-component applications with PA

The new compounds in the FC/AD/PA THERMOLAST® K series are aimed at manufacturers in the consumer and food industries. These materials have been developed specifically for food contact and feature excellent adhesion to polyamides. The natural-colored compounds are available in hardness degrees ranging from 40 to 80 Shore A. They are not only characterized by easy processing and colorability, but also by high tensile strength and elongation at break.

This makes the TPE family particularly suitable for a wide range of applications with direct food and mouth contact such as container and packaging seals, and parts of kitchen utensils and tableware. Other applications include sports items and cosmetics, as well as seals for hearing aids.