LIGHTWEIGHT TPE

Extremely lightweight for sophisticated components in various markets

Want to save weight while protecting the environment? The solution is Lightweight TPE. Applications in the industrial, automotive and consumer sectors benefit from a lower carbon footprint and increased energy efficiency.

Weight reduction up to

35 % compared to standard TPS
30 % compared to TPV
50 % compared to PVC

MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Adhesion to polyolefinic materials (e.g. PP, TPV, TPS) in injection molding and coextrusion (LW/UV Series)
Excellent compression set
Reduced shrinkage and warpage of parts
Closed and uniform surface structure
Matted surface
Compounds available in black colors, natural and precolored variants possible

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Exceptionally well-suited for sealing applications: unique compression set comparable to EPDM
Ideal for automotive applications
Power tools, in aviation or with drones
Diverse application possibilities in sports and leisure articles such as protectors of all kinds
Ski and cross-country skiing equipment or travel accessories
Thick-walled, lightweight components possible
Well suited for sealing applications

Specific MATERIAL PROPERTIES for the Automotive Sector

Thoroughly tested for UV- and weathering resistance
- 2 year-cycle Florida testing (PV3930): passed
- 2 year-cycle Kalahari testing (PV3929): passed
35 – 90 Shore A while maintaining an excellent compression set
Reduction of cycle time in injection molding is possible
Self-lubricating modification as a substitute for lubricant varnish

OUR PARTNER

3M was founded in 1902 in Minnesota, USA, and is one of the most innovative companies in the world today. The multi-technology company is represented in over 190 countries. The basis for its innovative strength is the diverse use of 51 proprietary technology platforms. Today, the portfolio includes 60,000 different products for almost every area of life. KRAIBURG TPE has already been working in partnership with 3M since 2019. In 2020, KRAIBURG TPE introduced Lightweight TPE, a solution for industrial and automotive applications that uses 3M™ Glass Bubbles.

Featured Product

LW/CS/UV SERIES | THERMOLAST® K

The LW/CS/UV Series is your lightweight material solution for applications with superior requirements on sealing performance. The compounds are especially suited for automotive exterior applications. They are available in black colors.

Processing Method: Injection Molding, Extrusion
Color / RAL DESIGN: Black

whitepaper: TPE lightweight technology with superior sealing properties
Download your free copy.

In close coordination with the OEM and its system supplier GTG, KRAIBURG TPE offers the ideal solution with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) from its new lightweight technology.
In comparison to commonly used alternatives, the trend-setting TPE technology delivers several advantages at once. For more or in-depth information, make sure to download the new Whitepaper today.

As a reader, you will benefit from:

An exclusive customer success story
New figures and measurements of the ultra-lightweight TPE solution
Further USPs and advantages of Lightweight TPE compared to thermoplastic vulcanizates (EPDM/PP)

Download free Whitepaper

These new, innovative THERMOLAST® K Lightweight TPE materials show not only a significant weight reduction but also present an extraordinarily good compression set. Moreover, they can be processed in two-component injection molding with either polyolefins or polyamides

Matthias Michl | Head of Automotive Application Development

Do you have a question?

You might find your answer here, among the most frequently asked questions about Lightweight TPE:

How do the light weight grades perform vs flame retardancy? For e-mobility possible requirements etc.

Some of the grades are already tested according to UL94 HB and passed successfully. Therefore listing would be possible on request.

What are the deciding technical properties other than light weight we need to consider for exterior seal application when we choose between EPDM and TPE?

Beside the weight factor properties like CS, long term relaxation, noise absorbtion, wheathering resistance are deciding properties. Our LW TPE shows especially advantage in terms of more cost effective process, easier & better bonding to Corner Molding TPE and recycling possibilities.

TALK TO AN EXPERT!

Your needs are our focus. We want to hear from you!

Matthias Michl

Head of Automotive Application Development

Phone: +49 8638 9810-204

E-Mail: matthias.michl@kraiburg-tpe.com

Marius Kantoch

Market Manager Consumer

Phone: +49 8638 9810-513

E-Mail: marius.kantoch@kraiburg-tpe.com

Karin Maier

Head of Sales Industry EMEA

Phone: +49 8638 9810-298

E-Mail: karin.maier@kraiburg-tpe.com

Want even more information?
Download your suitable Fact Sheet for more technical data and information.

Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE for automotive applications Door sealing systems, cowl sealings, window encapsulations, , anti-rattle-seals and roof rail mats: Lightweight TPE from KRAIBURG TPE has been carefully tested for UV and weather resistance and is ideal for outdoor applications, among others. pdf / 0,69 MB

Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE for industry applications Seals, wall ducts, handles and overmoldings: Lightweight TPE by KRAIBURG TPE is a lightweight material solution with excellent compression set and adhesion to polyamides or polyolefins. pdf / 0,78 MB

Fact Sheet Lightweight TPE Materials for consumer goods Personal protective equipment, seals, design and functional elements: Lightweight TPE from KRAIBURG TPE facilitates a colorful range of everyday applications, has low warpage as well as reduced shrinkage, and can be processed with common injection molding and extrusion units. pdf / 0,81 MB

Be smart - make it lightweight!

Take the challenge and see how you can make heavy things lighter with Thermoplastic Elastomers from KRAIBURG TPE in cooperation with 3M™