Robust TPE for precise measurements

Whenever very tiny objects have to be measured in the laboratory or shop, a vernier caliper is needed.  This measuring instrument, whether mechanical or digital, is standard equipment for many types of manual tasks.

The digital vernier caliper of the Swiss measuring product specialist TESA is called Twin-CAL IP67 and bears the TESA label Swiss Made. Its digital display is now enclosed by one of the most innovative compounds from Kraiburg TPE, For-Tec E, which gives the precision measuring instrument the necessary protection against usual non-polar media and grease.

For the Twin-CAL IP67 digital vernier caliper Kraiburg TPE, in close coordination with the customer TESA and the manufacturer Charvet/Groupe RGF, selected a TPE compound that fulfills all of the requirements. With excellent adhesion to PA12 and resistance to grease, dust and oils the innovative product group For-Tec E convinced both the customer and the processing company. The housing, enclosed with thermoplastic elastomers from Kraiburg TPE, complies with IP 67, a European standard for classification of the degree of protection of electronic components or devices in housings.
Robust on the outside, sensitive measuring instrument inside
Protected by a steel plate and enclosed with the robust and highly resistant For-Tec E, the housing of the Twin-CAL IP67 ensures durability and optimal sensitivity during the measurement. The material is pleasing to the touch and the vernier caliper fits perfectly in the hand for precise measurements. The instrument is designed for wireless or wired operation: measurement data can be sent to a PC or tablet computer either via USB, TWIN (TESA Wireless Interface) or a Digimatic interface.
With For-Tec E, Kraiburg TPE has added a new and innovative material to its portfolio. For-Tec E features extremely good resistance to oils, greases and cleaners. In addition, the TPE can be used in the cost-effective multi-injection moulding process; this process allows excellent adhesion of the TPE to diverse high-performance polyamides such as PA 12, PA 6 and PA 6.6. For applications in entertainment electronics, as well as for electric tools and plug-type connections, the feel and look of the materials used are extremely important. Thermoplastic elastomers of the For-Tec E product group can be dyed to precise specifications in various colours. With the combination of these material properties and a wide range of design options, For-Tec E has convinced component manufacturers in entertainment electronics, including Charvet/Groupe RGF and TESA.

TESA SA  was established in 1941 and has its headquarters in Renens, Switzerland. Today, the company produces and markets nearly 5,000 measuring instruments and systems, and the product spectrum extends from simple devices to highly complex systems. The marketing programme also includes solutions for three-dimensional or contactless measurements with optical systems. The products generally bear the label Swiss Made. The company, with its global sales network, supplies primarily the automotive and aeronautical industries, the clock-making industry and the medical technology and micro-mechanics sectors. Since 2001 TESA has been a member of Hexagon Metrology.

The RGF Group with headquarters in Pratz, France has more than 15 years’ experience, know-how and technical competence as a specialist in plastic injection moulding. Charvet/Groupe RGF with headquarters in Eybens, France has presses from 20 to 180 tonnes as well as a mechanical workshop and specialises in the production of small and medium batches. The RFG Group servers various sectors: automotive, electrical, packaging, household appliances, HVAC engineering, etc.

Growth prospects in Asia

Kraiburg TPE manufactures thermoplastic elastomers based on HSBC (hydrogenated styrene block copolymers) and markets them all around the world. In addition to custom solutions, under the Thermolast? brand the company offers a broad spectrum of standardised compounds covering a wide range of applications. With its high-performance Hipex? compound, Kraiburg TPE is opening up the world of rubber for all thermoplastics processing companies and with the new compounds Copec? and For-Tec E it is entering new dimensions in terms of haptics, adhesion and resistance for consumer electronics products.

Kraiburg TPE Asia Pacific’s growing presence within the dynamic Asia Pacific region has been well-represented by its offices in China’s Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenyang and Wuhan. The company is also present in India, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, with plans to spread further in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. 

Kraiburg TPE’s Malaysia plant achieves its ISO 14001:2004 certification in April 2014. This certification demonstrates Kraiburg TPE continuous and strong commitment to uphold environmental issues and work towards improving the environment. The certification also enhances Kraiburg TPE as a premium brand producer of thermoplastic elastomers working towards responsible operations in the eyes of customers, employees and shareholders.  

The company is also actively evolving and growing its production site in order to better serve its customers and target markets. Reliable supply chain logistics ensure on-time delivery and this has been reflected in the company’s decision to add to its production line in 2012 to expand its production capacity.  In line with its customer-oriented focus, tailor-made products and services are offered and high on the agenda is the R&D. “The key in a growing market is to have localised development. We have increased headcount for R&D in Malaysia, where our facility is now able to handle product development and offer technical consultancy for the Asian markets,” according to Roland Ritter, Director for Asia Pacific.

Kraiburg TPE ‘s new series has been developed by Malaysia R&D team to meet the Asia Pacific market demand, and these product series is available in different hardness to meet varying industry requirements. These include:  AD/PA/AP series for for applications with excellent adhesion to PA;  FC/AP series for natural-coloured and translucent solutions for food contact applications;  GP/AP series for technical applications with excellent adhesion to PP; FC/AD/PE series for food contact applications requiring adhesion to LDPE, LLPE and HDPE;  FR/AP series for applications requiring high flame retardant properties; SCR series for applications requiring a high degree of scratch resistance; and UV/AP series: for automotive exterior components requiring high UV resistance. (IRNA)