KRAIBURG TPE, a global leader in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials, is making significant developments in the automotive industry for interior design applications. These materials are transforming the way automotive interiors are designed and manufactured, offering a perfect blend of functionality, and aesthetics.

TPE has become incredibly popular among vehicle designers because of its exceptional qualities and versatility. One of the key applications driving this trend is thumbwheel controls, an integral component of vehicle control panels. KRAIBURG TPE's AD1/AP series' soft touch surface properties provide comfortable user experience, making them the preferred material solution for automotive thumbwheel applications.

The material advantages of the are multifaceted. These TPEs exhibit excellent adhesion with polar thermoplastics like ABS, PC, and PC/ABS through multi-component injection molding, enabling flexibility in product designs and ensuring enhanced sealing. Furthermore, they boast UV resistance, maintaining color stability and overall functionality over time.

In addition to these qualities, KRAIBURG TPE's automotive interior TPEs meet stringent industry requirements. They are formulated to resist UV radiation while also adhering to interior OEM specifications for emissions, fogging, and odor control. Furthermore, the series complies with REACH SVHC and RoHS regulations, ensuring the absence of restricted chemicals or hazardous substances according to European standards.

KRAIBURG TPE's commitment to sustainability is exemplified by the in-process recycling capabilities of these TPEs. Manufacturers can recycle excess or leftover material, contributing to resource conservation and environmentally responsible production of thumbwheel controls.

Beyond the AD1/AP series, KRAIBURG TPE provides specially developed TPE compounds made to meet the unique specifications of automakers. This commitment to customization ensures that every interior component meets the highest standards of performance and design.

Sustainability successes of our TPEs

Besides thumbwheel applications, KRAIBURG TPE’s recent sustainability innovations include a series of material solutions specially developed for automotive, consumer, consumer electronics, wearables and industry applications. Comprising up to 48% post-consumer recycled (PCR) and 50% post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, the material complies with multiple global standards such as FDA raw material compliance, RoHS and REACH SVHC requirements. KRAIBURG TPE also provides customers with product carbon footprint values.

Are you looking for a sustainable TPE solution? Talk to us!

Our experts are happy to answer any questions you have, as well as to offer the right solution for your application.