Automotive Fender Flare Performance with TPE 

Car fender flares go the extra mile by combining function and design. In addition to rendering a robust look to the vehicle, these fender panels protect vehicle bodywork from road debris, mud, and stone impact while providing coverage for wider tires and off-road use.  As exterior parts, they must maintain shape, surface quality, and performance under constant environmental exposure and mechanical stress.

Manufacturers rely on the consistent performance of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for demanding automotive exterior applications. Thus, automotive exterior TPE materials from KRAIBURG TPE deliver the performance and reliability required for these parts.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomers and customized solutions for various industries, including automotive, offers its THERMOLAST® K series, engineered for exterior automotive components such as car fender flares, providing consistent performance, high-quality surfaces, and efficient processing.

Material performance for exterior exposure
Fender flares operate under continuous exposure to sunlight, moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical stress. KRAIBURG TPE develops weather-resistant TPE compounds that maintain surface appearance and dimensional stability under these conditions.
The THERMOLAST® K series is optimal for exterior use. These compounds resist UV exposure, moisture, thermal changes, and mechanical loads while retaining flexibility and structural integrity.

Design flexibility for fender flare applications
The THERMOLAST® K series offers a wide hardness range from 30–80 Shore A and up to 35 Shore D. This range supports diverse design requirements, from flexible edge trims to more rigid protective structures.
The materials bond effectively to polypropylene, enabling reliable overmolding in multi-material constructions commonly used in exterior automotive parts. These properties make the series a practical choice for TPE solutions for car fender flares that require both form and function.

Processing efficiency and surface quality
THERMOLAST® K materials allow in-process recycling, supporting efficient production workflows. An optimized compression set helps maintain shape and function after repeated mechanical loading.
The series also supports surface mapping, enabling consistent textures and visual finishes. These features are relevant for fender flares materials where surface appearance and durability must remain consistent over the vehicle’s service life.

Compliance with global automotive materials standards
For exterior durability, THERMOLAST® K series have passed PV 3930 Florida exposure tests and PV 3929 Kalahari exposure tests, each conducted over one- and two-year periods. These results confirm suitability for automotive TPE materials for exterior components exposed to harsh climates and prolonged outdoor conditions.
With a broader exterior application scope, THERMOLAST® K materials are also used in other exterior automotive parts where flexibility, surface quality, and weather resistance are required. This versatility ensures consistent selection across exterior platforms.

KRAIBURG TPE at CHINAPLAS 2026
KRAIBURG TPE will join CHINAPLAS 2026, taking place from 21–24 April 2026 in National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, China at Hall 7.2 Booth No. D13, where the company will present a broad portfolio of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials. Visitors are invited to visit the KRAIBURG TPE booth to explore the latest material innovations and benefit from free one-to-one consultations with technical experts, offering personalized material recommendations and application support.

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: Equip every part of your vehicle, from car pillars to running boards, with superior performance and innovative design using our TPE solution.
Disclaimer: The applications mentioned are illustrative of material capabilities only. Final product suitability and regulatory compliance must be assessed and validated by the customer.