LIGHTWEIGHT TPE
Extremely lightweight for sophisticated components in various markets
Want to save weight while protecting the environment? The solution is Lightweight TPE. Applications in the industrial, automotive and consumer sectors benefit from a lower carbon footprint and increased energy efficiency.
Weight reduction up to
- 35 % compared to standard TPS
- 30 % compared to TPV
- 50 % compared to PVC
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
- Adhesion to Polyamides (PA6, PA6.6) in two-component injection molding (LW/PA Series)
- Adhesion to polyolefinic materials (e.g. PP, TPV, TPS) in injection molding and coextrusion (LW/UV Series)
- Excellent compression set
- Reduced shrinkage and warpage of parts
- Closed and uniform surface structure
- Matted surface
- Compounds available in black colors, natural and precolored variants possible
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
- Exceptionally well-suited for sealing applications: unique compression set comparable to EPDM
- Ideal for automotive applications
- Power tools, in aviation or with drones
- Diverse application possibilities in sports and leisure articles such as protectors of all kinds
- Ski and cross-country skiing equipment or travel accessories
- Thick-walled, lightweight components possible
- Well suited for sealing applications
Specific MATERIAL PROPERTIES for the Automotive Sector
- Thoroughly tested for UV- and weathering resistance
- 2 year-cycle Florida testing (PV3930): passed
- 2 year-cycle Kalahari testing (PV3929): passed
- 35 – 90 Shore A while maintaining an excellent compression set
- Reduction of cycle time in injection molding is possible
- Self-lubricating modification as a substitute for lubricant varnish
OUR PARTNER
3M was founded in 1902 in Minnesota, USA, and is one of the most innovative companies in the world today. The multi-technology company is represented in over 190 countries. The basis for its innovative strength is the diverse use of 51 proprietary technology platforms. Today, the portfolio includes 60,000 different products for almost every area of life. KRAIBURG TPE has already been working in partnership with 3M since 2019. In 2020, KRAIBURG TPE introduced Lightweight TPE, a solution for industrial and automotive applications that uses 3M™ Glass Bubbles.
The LW/UV Series is your lightweight material solution for applications with high UV- and weathering resistance, especially in automotive exterior. The compounds are available in black colors.
Processing Method: Injection Molding, Extrusion
Color / RAL DESIGN: Black
The LW/CS/UV Series is your lightweight material solution for applications with superior requirements on sealing performance. The compounds are especially suited for automotive exterior applications. They are available in black colors.
Processing Method: Injection Molding, Extrusion
Color / RAL DESIGN: Black
whitepaper: TPE lightweight technology with superior sealing properties
Download your free copy.
These new, innovative THERMOLAST® K Lightweight TPE materials show not only a significant weight reduction but also present an extraordinarily good compression set. Moreover, they can be processed in two-component injection molding with either polyolefins or polyamides
Matthias Michl | Head of Automotive Application Development
Do you have a question?
You might find your answer here, among the most frequently asked questions about Lightweight TPE:
How do the light weight grades perform vs flame retardancy? For e-mobility possible requirements etc.
Some of the grades are already tested according to UL94 HB and passed successfully. Therefore listing would be possible on request.
What are the deciding technical properties other than light weight we need to consider for exterior seal application when we choose between EPDM and TPE?
Beside the weight factor properties like CS, long term relaxation, noise absorbtion, wheathering resistance are deciding properties. Our LW TPE shows especially advantage in terms of more cost effective process, easier & better bonding to Corner Molding TPE and recycling possibilities.
TALK TO AN EXPERT!
Your needs are our focus. We want to hear from you!
Matthias Michl
Head of Automotive Application Development
Phone: +49 8638 9810-204
E-Mail: matthias.michl@kraiburg-tpe.com
Christina Havlicek-Stelzl
M.A. / Market Manager Consumer
Phone: +49 8638 9810-293
Karin Maier
Head of Sales Industry EMEA
Phone: +49 8638 9810-298
E-Mail: karin.maier@kraiburg-tpe.com
Want even more information?
Download your suitable Fact Sheet for more technical data and information.
Be smart - make it lightweight!
Take the challenge and see how you can make heavy things lighter with Thermoplastic Elastomers from KRAIBURG TPE in cooperation with 3M™
Read more about Lightweight TPE in our Press release
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Are you looking for a light TPE solution? Talk to us!