Publication: Mar 19, 2021 Last updated: Mar 11, 2025

A new look and a velvety touch


COPEC® for the new astrospec 2.0 safety glasses

The astrospec - an uvex classic safety glass design from the 90s, is reborn in an all-new design. Its predecessor retains the original lines, while supplementing the product with all the functions required for modern safety glasses: A frame from KRAIBURG TPE made of COPEC® ensures secure holding without pressure spots and keeps it velvety-soft for the wearer and holder.

The new astrospec 2.0 involved processing high-tech materials into a set of safety glasses, which combine innovative functionality with unmatched standards of safety. The flexible safety glasses frame employs the COPEC® Thermoplastic Elastomers from the specialist manufacturer KRAIBURG TPE. They remain firmly in place, on any face, while retaining a silky-smooth feeling against the skin, for unbeatable wearer comfort. The frame also features triple adjustment, while the glasses can be folded flat together after use.

Eyes are protected using a flattened curve wraparound lens made of polycarbonate and with built-in side protection. The lens coating prevents fogging and scratching. Finally, a ventilation system keeps the climate comfortable for eyes while preventing any risk of liquids or foreign bodies entering into the eye area.
 

COPEC®: Offers unbeatable feel and repels dirt
COPEC® is processed as part of dual-component injection molding with polycarbonate (PC). A production approach which simplifies manufacturing, slashes cycle times and eliminates the need for additional work procedures. The material resists dirt and withstands the everyday external stresses to which it is exposed – including UV radiation as well as skin oils and lubricating greases. It is also totally harmless to the wearer of the glasses: TPE is free of all latex, PVC and heavy metals. Moreover, COPEC® is also recyclable. KRAIBURG TPE has its own in-house coloristic division, to get the color of the material exactly as the customer wants. Further advantages of TPE compounds include the ease of coloring they allow and their excellent color stability.

About  UVEX

UVEX WINTER HOLDING GmbH & Co. KG is a trio of multinational companies under one roof: uvex safety group, uvex sports group (Uvex sports and Alpina) as well as Filtral. The uvex group has a presence including 47 subsidiaries in 20 countries, characterized for its forward-looking production, which centers on Germany. Two-thirds of its 2,120 or so employees (version as of: FY 2012/13) are employed in Germany. Uvex is a global partner for elite international sports as an equipment sponsor for countless top athletes. Our mission - to protect people - is something we uphold and are bound by. That is why uvex develops, produces and distributes products and services for the safety and protection of those in professional, sporting and recreational spheres.

Long-standing collaboration
UVEX and KRAIBURG TPE joined forces to collaborate as early as the astrospec 2.0 predecessor, as well as on many other projects. This was also the case for the pheos safety glasses, which were honored with the German Design Award in 2013.  

KRAIBURG TPE Quick Facts
 

  • Founded in 2001 as an independent business unit of the KRAIBURG Group 
  • HQ & Production Site: Waldkraiburg / Germany
  • Regional HQ & Production site: Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia, Atlanta / USA
  • Products: Thermoplastic Elastomer Compounds
  • Brands: THERMOLAST®, COPEC®, HIPEX®, and For Tec E®
  • Markets: EMEA, APAC, Americas
  • Employees: 660

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