KRAIBURG TPE levels up otoscope with TPE; showcases at Chinaplas 2026

Kraiburg TPE, a leading global manufacturer of TPEs and customised solutions for various industries, is enhancing imaging technology performance with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for otoscopes. The company will also present a range of TPE solutions for diverse applications at Chinaplas 2026.

Advancements in handheld imaging technology have resulted in smaller, lighter otoscope systems used in routine clinical practice, enabling faster and more efficient visual assessments in healthcare facilities and mobile care settings. As portable medical devices, otoscopes require materials that combine durability, safety, and ergonomic handling.

Industry-compliant advanced materials such as TPE to support the performance of medical visualisation devices.

Efficient material solutions for otoscope components

Kraiburg TPE, offers the high-performance Thermolast H healthcare TPE materials, suitable for medical visualisation technologies, including otoscope applications. These otoscope materials are ideal for functional and user-facing components, including sealing elements, cable interfaces, buttons, soft-touch grips, housings, and flexible connections, enhancing device durability and user comfort. As TPE solutions specifically for low-risk, hand-held medical devices such as otoscopes, they enable compact device layouts while ensuring durability and comfort during repeated clinical use.

Multi-component processing and integration

The Thermolast H healthcare series demonstrates excellent adhesion to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). This delivers efficient multi-component injection molding and direct integration of soft-touch elements onto rigid housings. As TPE solutions for otoscope devices, this approach improves ergonomics, enhances sealing performance, and reduces assembly steps, thus promoting cost-efficient manufacturing.

Durability for long-term use

The Thermolast H compounds assure dimensional stability, elasticity, and surface integrity in otoscope components that undergo repeated mechanical stress, cleaning, and sterilization. An optimised compression set supports long-term performance of seals, gaskets, and flexible interfaces, even after repeated use and sterilisation cycles.

Colour options and tactile performance

The Thermolast H series allows colourable and translucent formulations. These options promote visual differentiation of controls and functional zones on otoscope devices, improving usability and clarity during operation. Meanwhile, the smooth, soft touch surface the compounds provide improves grip and handling comfort during extended examinations, enabling consistent device control.

Sterilisation compatibility and safety

Thermolast H materials are compatible with common sterilisation methods, including autoclave sterilisation at 121°C and ethylene oxide (EtO). The compounds are free from animal-derived ingredients, heavy metals, and other harmful substances, thereby ensuring safe use in reusable otoscope devices and accessories intended for close patient and clinician contact.

Kraiburg TPE at Chinaplas 2026

Kraiburg TPE will join CHINAPLAS 2026, taking place from 21–24 April 2026 in National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, China at Hall 7.2 Booth No. D13, where the company will present a broad portfolio of TPE materialsfor automotive, industrial, consumer, and healthcare applications, including recycled-content grades and application-specific solutions. Visitors are invited to visit the Kraiburg TPE booth to explore the latest material innovations and benefit from free one-to-one consultations with technical experts, offering personalised material recommendations and application support.

Automotive TPEs for interior design and durability

For automotive manufacturers require materials that combine durability, stable processing, and surface quality. Kraiburg offers Automotive Light Effect TPE for illuminated interior components. These light effect TPE materials allow controlled light transmission while maintaining soft-touch surfaces and mechanical stability. 

The automotive TPE portfolio also delivers reliable adhesion to polypropylene (PP). Typical applications include interior trim, grip areas, and functional and decorative elements, where surface integrity and long-term use matter.

Consumer and food-contact materials for daily-use products

Kraiburg TPE will showcase Food Contact TPE grades developed for products intended for food contact. These materials meet applicable food-contact material regulations and have a low migration behavior. Common applications include kitchen tools, packaging components, and reusable food containers. These fully colourable, durable compounds enable ergonomic consumer products that combine comfort, safety, and design flexibility.

Besides food contact TPE, selected TPE grades also offer soft surface characteristics and excellent resistance to isododecane, sebum, and skin oils, making them an ideal choice for cosmetic packaging such as lip gloss and mascara.

Functional materials for electronics and industrial use

Kraiburg TPE compounds offer mechanical strength, thermal stability, abrasion resistance, and reliability for demanding environments. They are suitable for tool handles, machine components, functional surfaces, and consumer electronics parts. 

Specialised grades, including anti-static and flame-retardant TPE, protect devices and operators in industrial and electronics applications. Overmoulding and multi-material compatibility enable complex designs, supporting safe and comfortable handling during intensive use.

Medical-grade TPE offering safety, biocompatibility, and precision

The Healthcare TPE series has been developed for medical and healthcare applications that require consistent quality, flexibility and biocompatibility. These healthcare TPE compounds comply with Cytotoxicity ISO 10993-5, ensuring safety and reliability, and offer flexibility, cleanability, and reliable processing behavior.

Typical applications of the healthcare TPE portfolio include grips, seals, housings, and patient-contact components used in medical devices and diagnostic equipment.

Certified sustainable TPE with recycled content for eco-friendly applications

Sustainability drives KRAIBURG TPE’s innovation. The GRS and ISCC PLUS-certified recycled-content TPEs allow the production of eco-friendly products in automotive, consumer, and industrial applications. They feature soft-touch feel, durability, colourability, and performance while advancing circular economy initiatives and environmental compliance.

At CHINAPLAS 2026, KRAIBURG TPE will present a Sustainable TPE Solution portfolio that includes bio-based materials and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected grades hold GRS and ISCC PLUS certification. Product Carbon Footprint data is available for material evaluation.

The company earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and maintains its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This sustainable TPE solution combines recycled content with performance characteristics required for industrial production.

Personalised consultation and technical support at CHINAPLAS 2026

At Chinaplas 2026, visitors to the Kraiburg TPE booth can have one-to-one consultations with technical experts. These sessions offer tailored material recommendations, application guidance, and insights on optimising product design with advanced TPE solutions, allowing manufacturers, designers, and engineers to evaluate performance, ergonomics, and sustainability for specific applications.

Moreover, our technical specialists will share practical insights on extrusion processing and discuss how extrusion can extend design and manufacturing options.

Sustainability from the get-go

At Kraiburg TPE, sustainability drives our innovation. Our portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions.We proudly earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action.From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, our sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support your applications while advancing your sustainability goals. (Press Release)

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