The 26th edition of Fakuma will take place from 16 – 20 October 2018 in Friedrichshafen at the Lake Constance. In non-K years this event is the biggest and most important trade show for plastics processing in Germany. The German TPE compounder Kraiburg TPE announced that it will highlight at this fair its market-driven and customer-oriented development expertise. In addition to current applications, the company will be showcasing two new series for automotive interior and consumer applications.
Soft-touch automotive interior applications
The company is expanding the Thermolast K portfolio with compounds to serve the growing market for soft-touch automotive interior applications. The FG/SF series comprises grades in the hardness range between 50 and 80 Shore A. The materials are said to provide good surface properties including reliable adhesion to polypropylene and good abrasion resistance and can be processed at relatively low pressures. Along with standard black and natural, there are customer-specific colours available.
The FG/SF compounds 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.
FDA-compliant multi-component applications
“New applications in the areas of high-quality cosmetics packaging, dosing valves and seals in reusable food packaging show the full versatility of TPE technology, which is providing more functional options and performance in the face of new trends and challenges,” said Michael Pollmann, Sales & Marketing Director EMEA. And he added: “What is decisive for being successful in the market is to carefully match the materials to each application purpose – and that requires a good knowledge of the market and active customer support. It also means keeping a close eye on the market so you can respond to future challenges.”
The new compounds in the FC/AD/PA series are aimed at manufacturers in the consumer and food industries, and have been developed specifically for food contact. The compounds are said to feature excellent adhesion to polyamides, high tensile strength and elongation at break. They are available in hardness degrees ranging from 40 to 80 Shore A and can be easily processed and coloured. This makes these TPEs particularly suitable for applications with direct food and mouth contact such as container and packaging seals, and parts of kitchen utensils and tableware. Other applications include sports items and cosmetics, as well as seals for hearing aids.
A comprehensive demonstration of competence
“Fakuma is the largest trade fair specializing in plastics processing in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA),” emphasized CEO Franz Hinterecker. “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.”
The applications with thermoplastic elastomers that are being showcased at the Kraiburg TPE stand range from automotive window profiles to consumer goods, to e-mobility applications, to electrosurgical instruments and a new mascara container.
| Kraiburg TPE at Fakuma 2018 Stand B5-5303 |