Huntsman and T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG have established a cooperation in the field of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), which is aimed at plastic product manufacturers wanting to explore the use of this particle foam technology. Together, the two companies will offer a complete end-to-end material selection and steam-mould service, providing advice on the best materials to use for specific applications plus mould design, production and testing.
They will also work together on research projects, exploring eTPU and steam-moulding improvements. In addition, Huntsman will use T. Michel Formenbau’s technical centre in Lautert, Germany, to conduct steam-moulding trials and to demonstrate the processing performance of its existing materials such as smartLite PF 1560 TPU.
This lightweight particle foam technology is used in sports shoes but Huntsman said that it has broader potential across a variety of industrial markets. T. Michel Formenbau specialises in the development of EPS/EPP foam moulding tools, polyurethane foam moulding tools, injection moulding tools, deep drawing tools, and injectors for particle foams. It has also invested in laser equipment to create moulds that deliver special surface textures. The company was founded in 2000 and employs around 50 people.