Kraiburg Launches TPE series for Soft-touch Surfaces in Automotive Interior Applications

Kraiburg TPE has launched a new thermoplastic elastomers series which has been developed specially for decorated surfaces that appeal to the touch and for functional parts inside motor vehicles’ cabins.

The new FG/SF Thermolast K series confirms to all the automotive norms that OEMs have for emission and odor behavior of components for vehicle cabins including DIN 75201-B (G) and VDA 278 on fogging and VOC (volatile organic compound) as well as VDA 270 Var. 3 (odor behavior dependent on temperature and climatic influences). The compound demonstrates permanent UV stability that meets DIN EN ISO 105-B06 standards.

The flexible materials are available in hardness grades ranging between 50 and 80 Shore A, and in the case of two-component applications, they offer excellent adhesion to polypropylene. The use of the new materials results in the creation of attractive, satin-finished surfaces which offer a pleasant soft-touch feel and permanent abrasion resistance.

The FG/FS compounds of the Thermolast K series have low-emission and low-odor. They can be processed at relatively low pressures and have the capability to precisely reproduce the surfaces of even geometrically complex components. They are available in the standard colors, black and natural, as well as in OEM-specific colors including the individual coloring choice. They can be used for a wide range of applications including complex, durable floor mats, anti-slip mats, panels, decorative surfaces, thumb wheels, switches and handles.

Dirk Butschkau, Product Marketing Manager EMEA at Kraiburg TPE, said, “With the new FG/FS compounds of the Thermolast K series, we extend our portfolio of high-performance TPEs for this growing market segment. This way we are meeting the steady trend toward soft-touch surfaces in automotive interior applications by offering versatile, durable, and cost-effective materials solutions.