Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers Inc. has developed a hard, flexible grade of thermoplastic elastomer for applications where rubber or a thermoplastic vulcanizate aren't suitable.
StarFlex H TPEs are designed for products with a high level of hardness but which won't craze when flexed. Star of Broadview, Ill., said the materials also process easily. Applications could include hinges for electronic products such as tablet stands or cell phone accessories, toys, tool cases and bookends. Star said the hardness level of the new TPEs is 60 Shore D.
“Our previous experience cloning numerous grades of TPVs and offering our TPEs at costs far less than those offered by TPV manufacturers, made this challenge not too formidable,” according to Star research and development manager Prakash Sanjeevaiah.
Star also claimed the new, hard TPEs are colorable, processable on standard injection molding and extrusion machinery and present new design freedom.
Tel. 708-343-1100, fax 708-343-1110, email [email protected].
