Waldkraiburg, February 24, 2010. The “SolarBadge” made by Suntrica provides a flexible power supply for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Flexibility was also needed when designing the case for this innovative alfresco charging unit. The device can supply solar energy to a cell phone, MP3 player or digital camera while the owner is hiking, climbing or mountaineering. The Finnish manufacturer Suntrica together with Plastic Molder Laukamo Plastcomp and KRAIBURG TPE identified the ideal solution. The TPE specialists in the Bavarian town of Waldkraiburg developed for the first time a compound that makes possible an unusual kind of TPE bond, joining it with the rigid plastic components in the “SolarBadge”. To meet the needs of this sensitive, high-tech device the process is especially gentle when compared with injection molding, for instance. Thanks to reliable attachment using a special adhesive, the bond also offers the flexibility and pliancy needed to hang the device, using hook-and-loop tape, from a belt, bag, pack or clothing. What’s more, the compounds are resistant to weathering and ultraviolet light and can be colored in any desired shade. That makes them a natural for lending a stylish look to a modern outdoor device.

The THERMOLAST® K product group: Ideal protection and flexibility
One of the challenges faced by the project team responsible for developing the new compounds: They had to develop a pliant connection between the TPE and the plastic surface of the “SolarBadge”. This was needed to protect the high-tech heart of the solar charger from any excessive physical loads. This task was solved by the TPE specialists with a novel formula within the THERMOLAST®K product group, permitting adhesive bonding. These TPEs use a special glue for perfect joining with the unit’s basic material. This joint is so strong that it will easily stand up to the forces generated when the “SolarBadge” is bent during everyday use. The TPE case also offers positive protection for the rigid and delicate solar panel. You will find additional photo material here

About KRAIBURG TPE
KRAIBURG TPE (www.kraiburg-tpe.com) manufactures thermoplastic elastomers based on HSBC (hydrogenated styrene block copolymers) and markets them all around the world. In addition to custom solutions, the company offers under the THERMOLAST® brand name a broad spectrum of standardized compounds to cover a wide range of applications. With its high-performance HIPEX® compound, KRAIBURG TPE is opening up the world of rubber for all the companies that process thermoplastics. The TPE specialist has production sites in Germany, the USA and Malaysia. KRAIBURG TPE also maintains sales offices in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, China and India.

About Suntrica
Suntrica Ltd. from Finland is the leader in flexible and high-efficiency portable solar chargers. Suntrica's ergonomic and lightweight products provide the most convenient mobile charging experience. Solar chargers converting ambient solar energy into usable electrical energy can provide an unlimited source of power for personal electronic devices. In February last year Suntrica was named by the GSMA as one of the 15 most innovative vendors in EMEA and in April its solar-powered chargers beat off strong competition to take second place in the “Green Consumer Hardware” category at the CTIA’s E-Tech awards. Suntrica is committed, from its part, to decrease the carbon footprint thus reducing the effects of the climate change. Suntrica was founded in 2006 and has offices and distributors across the world.