Kraiburg TPE’s latest thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has been specially developed for consumer and industry applications and contains up to 40 % post-consumer recyclate (PCR). In accordance with standard ISO 14021, the manufacturer recycles materials that end consumers from households and the industry can no longer use for their intended purpose.

The latest solution from Kraiburg TPE makes a post-consumer recycling proportion of 40 % possible. The TPE is partly made from household waste. 

Thermoplastische Elastomere

Kunststoff Werkstoffe

Thermoplaste

Compound

Kunststoff-Rezyklat

TPE with a Post-Consumer Recycling Proportion of 40 Percent

Kraiburg TPE is expanding its portfolio of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for automotive interiors with grades with a recycling content of up to 38 %.

The post-industrial recycled raw material used is waste material derived from the manufacturing process for plastic products. © Kraiburg TPE

Recycling Content for Automotive Interiors

The simple replacement of petroleum-based components with renewable alternatives in a well-established reactive extrusion process is a promising route to more environmentally friendly thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU). However, this requires a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between chemical reactions and material flow within an extruder, as well as a thorough understanding of the effects of heat and shear on polymerization and melt processing.

Extruded strand from the continuous synthesis of a thermoplastic polyurethane, containing the new paraformaldehyde-based polyol

Production of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes with Reduced Carbon Footprint

Extrusion

Kunststoffverarbeitung: Verfahren

Extruder

Kunststoffverarbeitung: Maschinen und Komponenten

Extrusionsanlagen

Polyurethan

Reactive Extrusion of TPU

Increasing demands on component functionality and the need for efficient manufacturing processes are keeping multi-component injection molding squarely in the focus of plastics processing. Not all materials can be processed reliably in the desired combination. The new InMould-Plasma process, which is fully integrated into the injection molding process, facilitates more-efficient production and paves the way for completely new material combinations.

Demonstration mold for the production of a housing cover by the InMould plasma process

More Material Combinations,  Lower Costs

Spritzgießen

Mehrkomponenten-Spritzgießen

Spritzgießwerkzeuge

Werkzeuge für die Kunststoffverarbeitung

Plasmabehandlung

Oberflächentechnik

Reinigen und Vorbehandeln

Dichtungsschäumen

Schäumen / Reaktive Verarbeitung

InMould-Plasma Streamlines the 2-Component Process and Expands  the Material Spectrum

Hexpol TPE, the international polymer compounding group, has expanded their range of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) materials with recycled content. The new Dryflex Circular TPE grades have been tested for odor and emissions performance in automotive interiors.

Post-industrial waste streams from plastic part production are incorporated into Dryflex Circular TPE materials for automotive interior applications

Kunststoff-Recycling

Kunststoff-Aufbereitung

Kreislaufwirtschaft

TPE Compounds with Recycled Content

The Chinese Fujian Highsun Engineering Plastics Co, Ltd and Akro-Plastic GmbH have signed an agreement for future cooperation in the Greater China region.

At the signing of the contract in Fuzhou, China. From left to right: Linda Xu, Sales Director, Qi Jiwei, Operations Manager and Deputy General Manager (both Akro Engineering Plastics (Changzhou) Co., Ltd.), Chen Jianlong, Chairman, Highsun Holding Group, Wilfried Jobst, General Manager Akro Engineering Plastics (Changzhou) Co., Ltd., Chen Zhong, President, Highsun Holding Group and Shen Zhonghai, Vice Finance Director, Highsun Holding Group.

Polyamide

Akro-Plastic and Highsun Establish Joint Venture

Additive manufacturer Grafe has developed a new update for its matting agent in 3D printing.

Compared to its predecessor, the matting agent halves the gloss level once again. 

Farbstoffe und Pigmente

Additive

Filamente für additive Verfahren

Andere Werkstoffe

Werkstoffe für additive Verfahren

Additive Fertigung

3D Printing with Less Gloss

With K 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and formnext in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, professionals with an interest in additive manufacturing had two opportunities last year to gain a sense of the spirit of innovation in the industry. One issue was particularly prominent: the increase in production efficiency. This improves the economy of using the different 3D printing processes. 

A Diversity of Suppliers and Physical Cross-Linking Make Possible New Business Models and Application Scenarios for Additive Manufacturing  

Steuern, Regeln

Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Manufacturing

Selektives Laserschmelzen von Kunststoff, Metall, Keramik

Selektives Lasersintern von Kunststoff, Metall, Keramik

Faserverarbeitung

Industrieroboter

Qualitätssicherung

All Elements at a Glance 

Is there a quantum leap on the horizon for 3D printing? The prototype of a newly developed 3D printer is able to process commercial pellets – also those of high-performance plastics such as PEEK, PPS, PSU, PA and PC, with or without fibers. The machine applies the usual strand-deposition process, though with a simply designed print head that includes a radial screw. 

A Novel Type of Print Head Gives Fresh Impetus to the FDM Branch 

Polysulfone / Polysulfide

Kohlenstofffasern / -matten

Faser- und Filamentextrusion

3D-Print with Affordable Pellets 

Much as when injection molding materials were being developed 30 years ago, the current trend in additive production is toward higher melting materials and materials with improved mechanical properties. The latter can be achieved, for example, by fiber embedding. In machine technology, the developments are increasingly aimed at adapting processing times, sensor systems, and quality monitoring to the demands of high-tech companies.  

Materials Manufacturers and Process Developers Face Growing Demands in 3D Printing  

Biokunststoffe

Rapid Tooling

Pulver-Spritzgießen

Schleifen, Polieren

Additive Adolescence 

What AM technology is considered capable of today and how it can be applied in many areas of application is shown (representative) by this expert’s view of medical technology.

To enhance the mobility of the spine, the upper and lower shell of this disc prosthesis are connected with an elastic double spring made of titanium. The core also contains a cushioning silicone filling. The prosthesis can be manufactured according to the patient’s anatomy using the LaserCusing process 

Status and Perspectives for Human Medicine

Anlagen für die Additive Fertigung

Anlagen Additive Fertigung / 3D-Druck, Kunststoff

Medizintechnik

Anlagen Additive Fertigung / 3D-Druck, Metall

Medical Applications of Additive Manufacturing

Arburg Plastic Freeforming is predestined for the additive manufacturing of medtech components. The associated Freeformer-type additive manufacturing systems process the same plastic pellets that are used in injection molding. That makes the open systems very economical to use.

In the AKF process, resorbable original materials such a plate-implants similar to bone, can be manufactured. They are gradually replaced by endogenous tissue

Medical Product Manufacturers Are Processing Original Materials Using the Freeformer

Anlagen Additive Fertigung / 3D-Druck, andere

Medizinprodukte

Arburg Kunststoff Freiformen

Verfahren für die additive Fertigung

Freiraumverfahren

New Possibilities for Use  in the Human Body

In no other field the possibilities and advantages of 3D printing are more pronounced than for medical devices. With the right high-performance materials, complex patient-customized implants can be produced that medical doctors are using to push the boundaries of the possible – for the benefit of patients.

Sample implants of Vestakeep filaments, printed with a 3D printer from the Chinese startup Meditool

New Ways for Production of Plastic Implants by 3D Printing

Custom Implants from the 3D Printer

Besides compounds modified for special applications and lightweight components, sustainable materials are also becoming an increasingly important focus. In the additives sector, too, recyclates, the circular economy, and reprocessing are now playing a key role.

Not only Polymers but also Additives and Masterbatches Must Be Sustainable

Zubehör / Hilfsmittel Wärmebehandlung

Wärmebehandlung

PVC-Additive

Masterbatches

Vernetzungsmittel

Compoundeure

Dienstleistungen

Handel

PVC-weich (Compounds)

Farbkonzentrate (Batches)

Farbstoffe

Verarbeitungshilfsmittel, allgemein

Flammhemmende Mittel, allgemein

Betriebsausrüstung / Betriebsmittel

Verarbeitungshilfmittel

Flammschutzmittel

Gleitmittel für Kunststoff

Attention to Detail

New developments by the raw material producers are responding to current application trends. Requirements are changing due to the advent of networked and semi-automated electric vehicles and the different mobility infrastructure. Products for digitalization and energy and resource efficiency are also moving center stage.

New Mobility Forms and Digitalization Are Shaping the Development of Engineering and High-Performance Plastics

Polyetherketon

Polyacrylate

Oberflächenbeschichtung

Holz

Hybridwerkstoffe

Polyacetale

Verbundwerkstoffe / Werkstoffverbunde

Oberflächenveredelung

Lohnfertigung

Polycarbonat

Technology Made Easy

Kraiburg TPE Presents Its Next Generation Supersoft TPEs

A new series of extremely soft TPEs have a soft surface similar to human skin.

From orthopedic appliances and bicycle equipment through to lids for cosmetics – the fields of application of very soft, tough and durable materials are as diverse as the specific requirements for the material itself. To meet the demand for a reliable solution that satisfies the current standards and regulations, a new series of extremely soft thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) is now available from Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG. The three compounds of the Next Generation Supersoft TPEs are therefore being combined under the new name Thermolast S.

The extremely soft TPEs have a soft surface similar to human skin. This touch quality is a result of the low hardness range of 30 to 50 Shore 00 or 45 to 70 VLRH (very low rubber hardness). The materials’ substantially reduced tendency to oil out, for example, enables high-quality gel pad applications and optimizes ejection of the finished parts during processing.

The compounds show good mechanical properties and excellent compression set at room temperature. The materials can be processed by injection molding and 3D printing. They have all necessary approvals and meet all necessary standards: raw materials conformity to EU 10/2011 and FDA standards, conformity to DIN EN 71–3 standards for toys, REACH and RoHS tested. For example, they have been tested in accordance with ISO 10993–10 (skin irritation). The product’s good skin compatibility also makes it suitable for paramedical applications such as orthopedic appliances that do not necessarily require medical approvals.

The three Next Generation Supersoft TPEs are available in a translucent version as standard, and transparent compounds with hardnesses of up to 25 VLRH can also be supplied. The non-sticky granules can also be individually colored on request.

KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co KG  

https://www.kraiburg-tpe.com

The materials’ substantially reduced tendency to oil out, for example, enables high-quality gel pad applications and optimizes ejection of the finished parts during processing

16:9

2021-04-14 Produkt Kraiburg TPE

issue 04/2022

issue 03/2022

issue 02/2022

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