出版物: 19. 二月 2020 最後更新: 13. 三月 2025

Foam-free and extremely lightweight for sophisticated components


KRAIBURG TPE to launch the world’s first weight-saving thermoplastic elastomers

KRAIBURG TPE has developed an innovative material technology that enables the production of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with very low density. The result is three new product lines for extremely weight-saving components of a type that is in increasing demand for vehicle construction, power tools and various other application areas.

To further reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles and to improve the fuel economy and range of new models, automobile manufacturers are always looking for extremely lightweight solutions – particularly for unsprung weight in and on their vehicles. But lower weight and increased mobility also play a decisive role for the market success of products in other sectors such as power tools, aviation, drones, textiles, as well as sports, leisure and outdoor items.

Expandable materials including TPE are therefore often used, but they require strict process control procedures to achieve an even surface quality without surface waviness.

KRAIBURG TPE has now been able to implement an outstanding new TPE technology by using 3M™ Glass Bubbles for materials with very low densities of between 0.7 and 0.9 g/cm³ (1.358 and 1.746 slug/ft³) that allow the production of extremely lightweight thin-walled moldings that provide excellent surfaces and are able to withstand mechanical loads.

The microscopically small hollow glass bubbles are made of chemically stable borosilicate glass that is insoluble in water. They spread evenly in the TPE matrix and help increase the dimensional stability.

The new lightweight TPEs can be processed cost-effectively using established injection-molding machines and extruders. In addition to significant weight savings (see table) and very homogeneous surfaces, they also provide excellent compression set values. Production waste can be recycled directly.

KRAIBURG TPE is initially offering three specific series of the world’s first TPEs of this type:

  • THERMOLAST® K LW/UV (lightweight + UV resistance) specifically for exterior vehicle components
  • THERMOLAST® K LW/CS/UV (lightweight + increased compression set + UV stability) with excellent resilience and adhesion to polypropylene, making this product series particularly suitable for various sealing applications
  • THERMOLAST® K LW/PA (lightweight + adhesion to polyamides), also with HB nonflammability classification in accordance with UL94; ideal for power tools, for example

“3M™ Glass Bubbles have been tried and tested as weight-saving fillers in various ‘hard’ thermoplastics, but our new lightweight technology is using them in TPEs for the first time,” emphasizes Martina Hetterich, Project Manager Advance Development at KRAIBURG TPE. “Thanks to the excellent collaboration with our partner 3M™, we have been able to develop formulations that not only meet current lightweight construction and quality requirements, but also open up completely new markets for the commercial use of our TPEs.”

The three new THERMOLAST® K lightweight series from KRAIBURG TPE are now available worldwide.

凱柏膠寶 - 快覽
 

  • 總部與生產基地:瓦爾德克賴堡/德國
  • 區域總部和生產基地:吉隆坡/馬來西亞,亞特蘭大/美國
  • 產品:熱塑性彈性體化合物
  • 品牌:熱塑寶、科柔寶、高溫寶和尼塑寶
  • 市場:歐洲、美洲、亞太地區
  • 員工:660

下載新聞稿

在我們的媒體包中,您將找到有關該主題的全面資訊、圖形和圖片。

19.02.2020 媒體包用於 KRAIBURG TPE to launch the world’s first weight-saving thermoplastic elastomers

Latest News

TPE材料如何提升閉路電視與影像系統的效能
23.07.2025 TPE材料如何提升閉路電視與影像系統的效能 CS系列TPE具備柔和的觸感與出色的觸覺回饋,廣泛適用於成像設備中的按鍵和把手設計。此TPE材料有助於提升使用者舒適度,增強操作的精確性與直覺性,進而優化整體互動體驗。 了解更多
創新TPE解決方案助力造口袋兼顧舒適性與卓越性能
18.07.2025 創新TPE解決方案助力造口袋兼顧舒適性與卓越性能 身為全球領先的熱塑性彈性體(TPE)製造商,凱柏膠寶提供專為造口護理配件而設計的高性能TPE材料解決方案,全面滿足安全性、耐久性、生物相容性及用戶舒適度等核心應用需求。 了解更多
凱柏膠寶在食品接觸與防火應用新材料研發領域展現傑出實力
14.07.2025 凱柏膠寶在食品接觸與防火應用新材料研發領域展現傑出實力 凱柏膠寶已提前數月積極籌備,屆時將在著名的「橡膠街」展區亮相,其位置位於6號館C58-03展位。凱柏膠寶將在展會上展示其領先的高性能熱塑性彈性體(TPE)解決方案,充分彰顯其創新實力。 了解更多
永續TPE解決方案可協助汽車車柱實現安全與輕量化性能
07.07.2025 永續TPE解決方案可協助汽車車柱實現安全與輕量化性能 我司的凱柏膠寶 R(THERMOLAST® R) RC/UV/AP系列,為汽車A柱、B柱和C柱應用提供卓越的結構性能和可持續性。 了解更多