New compounds for auto interior

KRAIBURG TPE is highlighting its market-driven and customer-oriented development expertise at the 26th International Trade Fair Fakuma held from October 16 to 20, 2018 at Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center. In addition to current applications for its thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), the company (at Booth 5303 in Hall B5) will also be showcasing two advanced new material series that provide excellent properties for automotive interior and consumer applications.

 

According to Franz Hinterecker, CEO of KRAIBURG TPE, Fakuma is the largest trade fair specialising in plastics processing in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “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,” Mr. Hinterecker explained. 

 

 

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 colours, 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.

 

Diversity through specialisation

The applications with thermoplastic elastomers that are being showcased range from motor vehicle window profiles to consumer goods, to e-mobility applications, to electrosurgical instruments and a new mascara container. 

 

In addition, the company is also set to introduce FDA-compliant TPEs for multi-component applications. The new compounds in the FC/AD/PA THERMOLAST K series are aimed at manufacturers, such as those 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.