How can medical-grade TPE improve exoskeleton walking aid manufacturing? Discover how THERMOLAST® H supports comfort, durability, compliance, and performance in wearable healthcare devices.
How can medical-grade TPE improve exoskeleton walking aid manufacturing? Discover how THERMOLAST® H supports comfort, durability, compliance, and performance in wearable healthcare devices.
Mobility is vital to independent living, and for mobility-challenged individuals, modern assistive devices provide practical mobility solutions. An exoskeleton walking aid is a wearable robotic device that improves mobility by facilitating movement and reducing physical effort during walking. To achieve these functions, manufacturers require thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) that combine medical compliance with comfort, reliability, and safety.
KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of advanced TPEs and specialized material solutions, introduces the THERMOLAST® H Series developed exclusively for healthcare and medical device applications in the Asia-Pacific region. The multifunctional TPE materials offer mechanical properties that enable manufacturers to design durable systems with consistent performance throughout the product lifecycle, making them suitable for exoskeleton walking aid components such as seals, valves, membranes, and flexible connections.
How does soft-touch TPE improve comfort in exoskeleton walking aid?
THERMOLAST® H Series exhibits a soft-touch surface that improves comfort and handling in wearable rehabilitation devices. Exoskeleton systems involve prolonged contact with the body. The pleasant tactile feel enhances interaction in applications where patients and healthcare professionals frequently use the device.
The TPE material is particularly suitable for soft-touch grips, handles, support structures, control interfaces, switches, mats, and other functional elements integrated into exoskeleton systems.
Flexible design via injection molding
THERMOLAST® H Series is suitable for injection molding processes, enables efficient manufacturing of complex medical device components. The material can be used in a variety of functional and design elements that require precision, consistency, and production efficiency.
Available in natural color and fully colorable, the compounds provide additional flexibility for product differentiation, branding, and device identification.
Safety and biocompatibility-compliant material
THERMOLAST® H Series is free from animal-derived ingredients. The TPE series complies with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21 raw material requirements, and cytotoxicity standards ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 for medical and healthcare applications. The material is suitable for medical device manufacturers requiring high levels of product safety.
Sustainability from the get-go
At KRAIBURG TPE, sustainability drives our innovation. Our portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions.
We proudly earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action.
From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, our sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support your applications while advancing your sustainability goals.
Get in touch today to learn how KRAIBURG TPE can support your sustainability and product development journey.
Discover More with TPE: By combining medical compliance, soft-touch comfort, optimized mechanical performance, and efficient processing, THERMOLAST® H Series helps manufacturers create wearable devices that improve mobility and enhance user confidence, such as prosthetic and wrist orthoses.
Disclaimer: The applications mentioned are illustrative of material capabilities only. Final product suitability and regulatory compliance must be assessed and validated by the customer.
FAQ
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Why is TPE suitable for exoskeleton walking aid applications?
1TPE combines flexibility, durability, and user comfort in a single material. THERMOLAST® H offers optimized mechanical properties and a soft-touch surface, making it suitable for wearable healthcare devices that require frequent user interaction.
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Which healthcare standards does TPE comply with?
1THERMOLAST® H complies with ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 requirements. The material also meets Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and US FDA CFR 21 raw material conformity requirements.
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Which healthcare standards does TPE comply with?
1THERMOLAST® H complies with ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 requirements. The material also meets Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and US FDA CFR 21 raw material conformity requirements.
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Is TPE free from animal-derived ingredients?
1Yes. THERMOLAST® H is free from animal-derived ingredients, supporting healthcare manufacturers seeking material solutions that align with industry requirements.
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What materials are suitable for exoskeleton walking aid components?
1Medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are widely used in exoskeleton walking aids because they provide flexibility, soft-touch comfort, durability, and design versatility while meeting medical application requirements.
KRAIBURG TPE's THERMOLAST® H Series is suitable for injection-molded components including grips, handles, seals, valves, membranes, control interfaces, switches, mats, and flexible connectors for wearable rehabilitation devices.
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What should OEM medical device manufacturers consider when selecting TPE materials?
1OEM manufacturers should evaluate biocompatibility, regulatory compliance, processing efficiency, mechanical performance, durability, colorability, and long-term reliability when selecting materials for medical devices.
KRAIBURG TPE's THERMOLAST® H Series combines these characteristics to support the development of reliable exoskeleton walking aids and other healthcare devices.
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What materials are suitable for wearable rehabilitation devices?
1Wearable rehabilitation devices require materials that provide comfort, flexibility, durability, and reliable processing. Medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are widely used because they offer soft-touch properties, excellent mechanical performance, and efficient injection molding for complex medical device components. KRAIBURG TPE's THERMOLAST® H Series is designed for healthcare applications and is suitable for wearable rehabilitation and mobility assistance devices requiring reliable long-term performance.
Press Asia Pacific
Bridget Ngang
Marketing Manager Asia Pacific
