Selecting the right racquet equipment based on factors such as balance, shaft stiffness and flexibility, weight, grip size, and string properties is important for comfort of the user.

Advanced materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), have good mechanical properties and provide lightweight solutions that appeal to racquet sports equipment manufacturers.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global thermoplastic elastomer manufacturer with a diverse range of products and custom solutions for a variety of industries, provides multifunctional, custom-engineered TPE compounds for use in racquets and other sporting goods. The non-toxic compounds provide flexibility, scratch and abrasion resistance, and UV, temperature, and chemical resistance.

KRAIBURG’s TPE series of compounds result in stylish and colorfully-designed rackets, since pre-coloring is available for the compounds. The TPE compounds can be used on the handle and grip, surface, and other areas of sporting equipment like racquets.

FC series – food-safe, excellent PP adhesion

With the FC series, which complies with DIN EN 71-3 requirements, the US FDA's Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21, and EU Regulation No. 10/2011, as well as halogen-free (per IEC 61249-2-21) standards, there is no compromising on safety.

The FC series of compounds adheres well to PP resin and the compounds come in two colors: natural and translucent. With this, the TPE series can be colored in a variety of ways.

The series is suitable for the surface of racquets, anti-vibration caps, and for use in table tennis paddle applications.

LW/UV series – light weight, non-sticky surface

The application of KRAIBURG TPE’s LW/UV series of compounds ensures ease and comfort of use. The low-density, UV and weathering resistant series is especially suitable for application in handles and grips for lightweight racquets that enable quick stroking speeds, recovery, and manoeuvrability for beginners because it produces a non-sticky surface that ensures ease of comfort for the racquet user.

Furthermore, the LW/UV series adheres well to PP resin, thereby allowing for multi-component molding and production of a variety of designs for sporting equipment.

Sustainability successes of our TPE

Besides the materials for applications in racquet and other sports equipment, KRAIBURG TPE’s recent sustainability innovations include a specially developed material solution for consumer, and industry applications comprising post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.

Are you looking for a sustainable TPE solution? Talk to us!

Our experts are happy to answer any questions you have, as well as to offer the right solution for your application.