Graylands Phase 4 no H17 Athi-River, Mavoko -90100 Machakos
+254 790 02 02 42
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Graylands Phase 4 no H17 Athi-River, Mavoko -90100 Machakos
+254 790 02 02 42
The company Kraiburg TPE from Waldkraiburg in Germany produces thermoplastic elastomers, an extremely innovative product that we will all have come across at some point in our day-today lives.
From soft toothbrush handles to children’s toys and haptic elements in tools – thermoplastic elastomers from KRAIBURG TPE provide real added value in all kinds of different products.
TPEs from Waldkraiburg are also in high demand in the automotive industry, where they are used in vehicle interiors and exteriors and in engine-related applications for a number of well-known car manufacturers.
For example, TPE compounds make the controls comfortable to handle, provide glazing encapsulation with outstanding weather resistance, and can be used as sealing elements with high temperature resistance in the engine compartment.
The granulate, which can be easily processed by the end customer, does however need to be checked on a regular basis to assess its resistance levels.
Benefit from our Thermoplastic Elastomer products’ various attributes. Our compounds are the building blocks for increased mobility, more efficiency, added comfort, and extra safety in people’s ordinary lives.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have become indispensable today. They provide the basis for greater efficiency, comfort and safety in everyday life.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are an indispensable tool used by processors, product developers and designers alike. They combine the dynamic processing properties of thermoplastic plastics with the softness and flexibility of elastomers.
Like thermoplastics, TPEs are heated to process them by means of injection molding or extrusion. As they show their original elastic properties again after cooling down, they are recyclable like thermoplastics. In contrast to TPEs, elastomers cannot be processed by melting; they are chemically crosslinked and not recyclable.
The different types of TPEs and their modification options provide the basis for plenty of materials properties thus enabling cost-effective processing in applications for the most diverse industries.
TPEs contribute to enhancing products and setting them apart from others. In addition, they take over a lot of technical functions that so far have been reserved for elastomers. Using TPEs does not only increase a product’s benefits but also brings economic advantages to processors.
The processing and behavior of TPE materials classify them as belonging to a group of materials between thermoplastics and elastomers. They form an independent class of materials.
Basically, a distinction is made between reactor-made TPEs (e.g., TPA, TPU, and TPC) and TPE compounds (e.g., TPS and TPV). The properties of reactor-made TPEs are implemented in one polymer. The properties of TPE blends result from mixing different polymers to form a so-called compound.
Polymers are classified into four groups: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).
Thermoplastics consist of polymer chains and are highly entangled. They are kept together by interactions between molecules such as van der Waals forces. Thermal effects and shear forces allow them to be processed by injection molding. When cooled down the material solidifies again. As this process is purely physical, it can be repeated at any time (example: polypropylene).
Thermosets such as epoxy resins are polymers that are tightly crosslinked via chemical bonds and do not melt. They maintain their crosslinked structure even at high temperatures and are characterized by high strength and stiffness. Under stress, they are subject to brittle fracture (example: epoxy resins).
Elastomers, often referred to as rubbers, are chemically crosslinked polymers. They are considerably less densely crosslinked than thermosets, leaving larger elastic areas between the individual cross-links. These areas are crucial to their elastic properties. Elastomers cannot melt again. Once they have been crosslinked, they will maintain their shape. Examples of elastomers are natural rubber or synthetic rubber such as EPDM and NBR.
Basically, thermoplastic elastomers can be divided into two types: reactor-made TPEs (e.g. TPA, TPU, and TPC) and TPE compounds (e.g., TPS or TPV). The properties of reactor-made TPEs are implemented in one polymer. The properties of TPE compounds result from mixing two polymers to form a so-called compound.
Making sure you get the best results: the right materials solutions have been developed for each of your specific applications.
TPEs are used in a versatile range of applications in various sectors, meeting the industry-specific requirements. They are used not only for control elements in automotive interiors but also for exterior window encapsulations and under-the-hood seals. In industrial products, they are used for tool handles and cable grommets, for example. In consumer goods, TPEs are found in toys, sports equipment, packaging, and hygiene articles such as toothbrushes and razors. For medical applications, special compounds that meet the strict requirements in this sector have been developed. These applications include drip chambers, seals and medical tubing.
KRAIBURG TPE offers an application engineered portfolio for various ranges of performance and makes use of the TPE classes suitable for each application.
Reduced, smart and high quality – the packaging and design market is changing. Based on long-term experience, KRAIBURG TPE incorporated and developed a perfect material solution for applications for various market sectors where a friction optimized surface is required.
These new thermoplastic elastomers come with an excellent high-quality surface, a low coefficient of friction and long flow paths. Smooth Touch TPEs are the go-to TPE choice for applications where the feel makes the difference. With this unique and low friction surface KRAIBURG TPE sets new standards in haptics.
The compounds are available worldwide in various hardness’s and colors. The solutions offer themselves for applications with direct and indirect food contact, items in the beauty segment, packaging, and design
Trust in a market-oriented product portfolio of thermoplastic elastomers. In addition, KRAIBURG TPE offers you custom-engineered material solutions: Together with you, we develop application-specific compounds that are customized exactly to your requirements.
TPE and FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT:
Here you will find an overview of our portfolio compounds. In addition to technical data sheets, our database provides processing guidelines, safety data sheets and other documents for you. For further information and individual custom solutions please contact our customer service.
