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 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.

 



whitepaper: TPE lightweight technology with superior sealing properties

Download your free copy.


In close coordination with the OEM and its system supplier GTG, KRAIBURG TPE offers the ideal solution with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) from its new lightweight technology.

In comparison to commonly used alternatives, the trend-setting TPE technology delivers several advantages at once. For more or in-depth information, make sure to download the new Whitepaper today. 



As a reader, you will benefit from:

  • An exclusive customer success story 
  • New figures and measurements of the ultra-lightweight TPE solution
  • Further USPs and advantages of Lightweight TPE compared to thermoplastic vulcanizates (EPDM/PP)

Matthias Michl | Head of Automotive Application Development

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.

1

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?

1

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!



Want even more information?

Download your suitable Fact Sheet for more technical data and information.


Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE for automotive applications Door sealing systems, cowl sealings, window encapsulations, , anti-rattle-seals and roof rail mats: Lightweight TPE from KRAIBURG TPE has been carefully tested for UV and weather resistance and is ideal for outdoor applications, among others. pdf / 0,69 MB
Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE for industry applications Seals, wall ducts, handles and overmoldings: Lightweight TPE by KRAIBURG TPE is a lightweight material solution with excellent compression set and adhesion to polyamides or polyolefins. pdf / 0,78 MB
Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE Materials for consumer goods Personal protective equipment, seals, design and functional elements: Lightweight TPE from KRAIBURG TPE facilitates a colorful range of everyday applications, has low warpage as well as reduced shrinkage, and can be processed with common injection molding and extrusion units. pdf / 0,81 MB

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™ 


HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

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

 

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Asia Pacific

Americas


Lightweight TPE


Extremely lightweight for sophisticated components in various markets

ask an expert

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 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.

 

read more

Featured Product

LW/UV SERIES | THERMOLAST® K

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

 

read more

Featured Product

LW/CS/UV SERIES | THERMOLAST® K

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

 

read more

Whitepaper: TPE lightweight technology with superior sealing properties

In close coordination with the OEM and its system supplier GTG, KRAIBURG TPE offers the ideal solution with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) from its new lightweight technology.

In comparison to commonly used alternatives, the trend-setting TPE technology delivers several advantages at once. For more or in-depth information, make sure to download the new Whitepaper today.

 

As a reader, you will benefit from:

An exclusive customer success story 
New figures and measurements of the ultra-lightweight TPE solution
Further USPs and advantages of Lightweight TPE compared to thermoplastic vulcanizates (EPDM/PP)

 

Get your whitepaper

Matthias Michl

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.

    1

    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?

    1

    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.

Contact our Team of Experts


Reach out to us for comprehensive details into how we can positively impact your business.
 

Contact

Download Fact Sheet


Fact sheets provide detailed information on solutions, areas of application, technical specifications, and product USPs.

Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE for automotive applications Door sealing systems, cowl sealings, window encapsulations, , anti-rattle-seals and roof rail mats: Lightweight TPE from KRAIBURG TPE has been carefully tested for UV and weather resistance and is ideal for outdoor applications, among others. pdf / 0,69 MB
Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE for industry applications Seals, wall ducts, handles and overmoldings: Lightweight TPE by KRAIBURG TPE is a lightweight material solution with excellent compression set and adhesion to polyamides or polyolefins. pdf / 0,78 MB
Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE Materials for consumer goods Personal protective equipment, seals, design and functional elements: Lightweight TPE from KRAIBURG TPE facilitates a colorful range of everyday applications, has low warpage as well as reduced shrinkage, and can be processed with common injection molding and extrusion units. pdf / 0,81 MB

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

 

read more