Change in Material Improves Performance
By swapping one TPE material for another, U.S. manufacturer found practical way to improve product performance while also enhancing processing and appearance
Broadview, IL – Star Thermoplastic Alloys Rubbers, Inc. (Star Thermoplastics) worked with a top U.S. manufacturer of hunting, archery, and tactical gear improve their product performance, reduce their processing waste, and enhance the hydrographic printing finish on their product by changing their thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material.
Prior to switching to Star Thermoplastics TPE material, the gear manufacturer was experiencing significant elongation on a rifle strap; this was viewed negatively by consumers that wanted more stability than bounce when utilizing the rifle strap. Further, they were experiencing a 20% failure in processing, affecting their waste costs and cutting into their profitability.
Star Thermoplastics offered one of its specialty TPE materials that had very low elongation properties – important so the product did not stretch in use. Additionally, the Star Thermoplastics TPE material accepted hydrographic "dip print" processing better than their previous material, creating sharper imaging and reducing their 20% rejection rate. It also enhanced the UV stability, allowing the product to perform for a longer period of time. Durable enough to withstand repeated use in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, the Star Thermoplastics TPE material used in this application is also soft to the touch and flexible for comfort.Â
"Learning that our material not only provided the solution the customer needed, but also proving to be better in the hydrographic print process than all other TPEs they've worked with, was fantastic for the both the customer and Star," stated Star Thermoplastics' Business Manager, Rebecca Dieschbourg.Â
TPEs are rubbery plastic materials that have both hard and soft properties, allowing them to exhibit elastomeric behavior. Star Thermoplastics can provide TPEs that offer excellent design flexibility, including varying degrees of clarity (including crystal clarity) and elasticity, colorability, excellent UV resistance, low temperature strength and flexibility, impact and vibration reduction, as well as overall durability.
TPEs are most easily identified by their soft or grippy feel. The average person uses a TPE five times before lunch, in items such as toothbrush handles, gel shoe insoles, gaskets, scissors, non-slip cutting board feet, handle grips (knives, bicycles, golf, tools, etc.), weatherstripping, control panel buttons, pen grips, and more.Â
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About Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc.
Star Thermoplastics, founded in 1993, is a leading provider of thermoplastic elastomers with many production lines to fill both large and small orders, a full-service laboratory and trained sales and technical support personnel across the continent. Company products are sold under the trade names StarBond®, StarClear®, StarFlex®, StarGrip-X®, StarLexar™, StarMed®, StarPet®, StarPrene®, StarTuff™, and StarXtrude™.Â
For more information, contact: Marketing Department, Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc., 2121 West 21st Street, Broadview, IL 60155. Tel : 708-343-1100. Fax: 708- 343-1110. Web: www.starthermoplastics.com.  Email: jtomes@starthermoplastics.com.
