At K 2016, the world's largest trade fair for plastics, the international TPE compounding group HEXPOL TPE will launch a range of new Thermoplastic Elastomer materials with enhanced haptics and touch properties. At their stand in Hall 8a - H18, the group, which brings together the ELASTO and Müller Kunststoffe businesses, will showcase how the interaction between touch, functionality and wearability has an important role to play in product design and brand aesthetics, particularly in the growing wearables market. HEXPOL TPE has expanded their Dryflex family of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) compounds to include Dryflex Touch, a range of TPEs designed to give a superior silky feel and touchably soft sensation. Several Dryflex Touch series have been developed with properties designed for applications such as wearable technology, consumer electronics, smartphone and tablet protective cases, wrist straps, grips, cosmetics and packaging.
Dryflex Touch TPE compounds have a smooth and velvety feel that is non-sticky and easy to clean. They also offer good scratch and abrasion resistance; all of which helps to enhance the durability, appearance and aesthetics of the final application. Dryflex Touch grades are available in a range of hardnesses from 30 to 90 Shore A and are easy to colour in a variety of vibrant shades.
The Dryflex Touch range includes grades that are produced from raw materials which are compliant with food contact regulations, as well as UV resistant grades and compounds that are latex and PVC free. Representative Dryflex Touch grades have been tested in accordance with ISO 10993-10:2010 for irritation and skin sensitization, they were shown to have no sensitization potential and classified as a non-sensitizer. They have also passed in vitro cytotoxicity tests according to ISO 10993-5:2009.
Dryflex Touch TPE compounds allow for efficient processing via injection moulding with grades that can also be overmoulded onto substrates such as PP, PE, ABS, PC and TPU for multi-component applications.
Speaking of the development, Klas Dannäs, Global R&D Coordinator for HEXPOL TPE commented "Consumers want products that not only look good and work correctly, but are also comfortable to wear with an appealing smooth and silky feel. Brand owners also want to enhance product differentiation and brand experience while ensuring the performance and durability of their products. That is precisely why we have developed the Dryflex Touch range of TPEs; for applications that need to be durable and functional as well as feeling great."
