Waldkraiburg, Germany – Kraiburg TPE has developed two series of materials, tailored to meet the increasing requirements of automotive interior components, the company has announced.
Thermolast K compounds in the FG/SF and VS/AD/HM series feature enhanced levels of durability, robustness and scratch resistance of soft-touch surfaces for these applications, said the 25 Aug statement.
The new materials offerings also include a compound for “cost-conscious implementation of shelf mats”, Kraiburg also pointed out.
Guiding these developments are new-mobility trends requiring long-lasting aesthetics, colourfastness, durability and cleanability of visible surfaces within vehicles.
Materials used for interior vehicle components must also meet many increasingly strict standards and specifications in terms of odour and emissions, added Kraiburg.
And, as OE preferences also play a crucial role, Kraiburg TPE said extending its soft-touch automotive-interior portfolio will enable it to supply customers from a single source.
Features of the FG/SF (fogging/surface-finish) series include “excellent flowability, [the ability to] allows stress-relieved filling with complex component geometries, low wall-thicknesses or large variations in wall thickness.”
These compounds are said to be particularly suitable for insert mats and shelf mats for centre consoles, instrument panels, glove boxes, door pockets, and roof liners.
Adhesion is a key focus of the VS/AD/HM (velvet surface/adhesion/high mechanical properties) series: compounds combine adhesion to polar thermoplastics such as PC, ABS, ABS/PC, ASA, and SAN and to PA6 or PA12 polyamides.
Target applications include multi-component parts ranging from anti-slip mats in cup holders to soft-touch surfaces of centre console covers, seat belt buckles and door pull handles through to shelves that include an integrated, inductive charging option for cell phones.
The VS/AD/HM series is also said to offer advantages in terms of scratch and abrasion resistance for single-component parts such as shelf mats for visible areas.
