New auto interior surface TPE series for the APAC market to be launched at Chinaplas 2023

The Asia-Pacific automotive industry, which is a major hub for vehicle manufacturing and accounts for a sizable market share of sales across all vehicle segments, will be at the center of an innovation boom in key industries over the next decade, driven by rising adoption of electric vehicles and connected vehicles, as well as growth in the luxury car segment.  As users seek mobility solutions that match their changing mobility habits and lifestyle, the region’s automotive industry is set to undergo unprecedented transformation.

As a result, new vehicles with user-centric designs and construction are expected to enter Asia-Pacific markets. Advanced materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) widely used for exterior and interior parts will have more functionalities geared toward user comfort and style. 

New TPE series at the Chinaplas 2023

Kraiburg TPE, a global TPE manufacturer, offers multifunctional TPE solutions for product innovations requiring excellent mechanical properties and ease of processing via the multi-component injection molding process to achieve the best adhesion property. For the Asia Pacific automotive interior market, Kraiburg TPE introduces its latest THERMOLAST® K FG/SF/AP series featuring surface quality design advantages and solutions.

KRAIBURG TPE will launch the new THERMOLAST® K FG/SF/AP for automotive interior surface solutions for Asia Pacific at Booth no. P73 at CHINAPLAS 2023, which will take place from the 17th to the 20th of April at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Shenzhen, PR China. 

 TPE with low viscosity capabilities expands the possibilities for plastic part design, according to Kraiburg TPE, adding that the materials shorten the process cycle time and open up a larger processing window in injection molding for large surfaces and thin parts.

“Our TPE solutions with low odor and emission meet the stringent OEM requirements for automotive applications, “ says Marcus Cheah, Project Manager of Kraiburg TPE.

KRAIBURG TPE will be a key participant in CHINAPLAS 2023's TECHTALK forum on the topic of New KRAIBURG TPE Automotive TPE for Interior Surface Applications on 18 April 2023 at Hall 16.

Enabling ease in processing without compromising quality

Consisting of hardness range between 60 – 80 shore A, the Thermolast K FG/SF/AP series produces even surfaces with two component injection molding. The series has superior flow properties which makes the compound easy to be process.  It offers good adhesion with PP, low density, and comply with the low odor and emission requirements for automotive interiors. Also, the series featured good surface mapping as well as temperature stability up to 100°C.

Providing design advantage to a range of applications

The Thermolast K FG/SF/AP series satisfies the demand for sophisticated automotive aesthetic appeal. The series offers refined hard-soft composite components with a high level of surface appearance and quality. The Thermolast K FG/SF/AP series, available in black, is an ideal material solution for automotive interiors applications such as handles and covers, mats, door sills, glove box, sealing, soft touch surfaces, and more.

TPEs add power to racquet applications

KRAIBURG TPE also offers the FC and LW/UV series of TPE compounds for high performance racquet and other sports equipment applications.

Selecting the right racquet equipment based on factors such as balance, shaft stiffness and flexibility, weight, grip size, and string properties is important for comfort of the user.

Advanced materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), have good mechanical properties and provide lightweight solutions that appeal to racquet sports equipment manufacturers.

KRAIBURG TPE’s multifunctional, custom-engineered TPE compounds for use in racquets and other sporting goods are non-toxic and provide flexibility, scratch and abrasion resistance, and UV, temperature, and chemical resistance.

The series of compounds result in stylish and colorfully-designed rackets, since pre-coloring is available for the compounds. The TPE compounds can be used on the handle and grip, surface, and other areas of sporting equipment like racquets.

FC series – food-safe, excellent PP adhesion

With the FC series, which complies with DIN EN 71-3 requirements, the US FDA's Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21, and EU Regulation No. 10/2011, as well as halogen-free (per IEC 61249-2-21) standards, there is no compromising on safety.

The FC series of compounds adheres well to PP resin and the compounds come in two colors: natural and translucent. With this, the TPE series can be colored in a variety of ways. The series is suitable for the surface of racquets, anti-vibration caps, and for use in table tennis paddle applications.

LW/UV series – light weight, non-sticky surface

The application of KRAIBURG TPE’s LW/UV series of compounds ensures ease and comfort of use. The low-density, UV and weathering resistant series is especially suitable for application in handles and grips for lightweight racquets that enable quick stroking speeds, recovery, and manoeuvrability for beginners because it produces a non-sticky surface that ensures ease of comfort for the racquet user.

Furthermore, the LW/UV series adheres well to PP resin, thereby allowing for multi-component molding and production of a variety of designs for sporting equipment.

Sustainability successes of our TPE

Besides the materials for automotive interior surface applications, KRAIBURG TPE’s recent sustainability innovations include a specially developed material solution for consumer, and industry applications comprising post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.  (Press Release)

(PRA)

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