KRAIBURG TPE Compounds in Leica Cameras
Keeping a firm grip
The gripping surfaces of cameras and binoculars manufactured by Leica Camera AG are made of high-quality TPE of the product group THERMOLAST® A. They are extremely scratch-resistant, pleasing to the touch and also offer production advantages due to the specialized knowledge and consulting expertise of KRAIBURG TPE.
Waldkraiburg - KRAIBURG TPE compounds ensure a steady hand for sharp, clear pictures. Precisely dimensioned TPE mats serve as reinforcement material for the grips of the Leica S2 camera and the Ultravid binocular series. These high-quality products are manufactured using the product group THERMOLAST® A, which is pleasant to the touch and highly scratch resistant. Leica's in-house testing processes, developed based on customer applications, confirm that the grips made of KRAIBURG TPE compounds withstand all effects of daily use, such as perspiration, alcohol and atmospheric conditions. Nor does the photographer have to worry about ill effects, since the TPEs are free of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates and allergens and are RoHS and REACH compliant.
Precision in the production process
The grips of the Leica cameras and binoculars consist of thin TPE mats that are integrated in the casing for a firm and stable grip. This is the result of a painstaking production process: the reinforcing mats are manufactured in a single-component process and then glued into recesses specially moulded in the casing. The depth of the recesses varies depending on the shape of the casing and therefore affects the thickness of the TPE layer. The size of the TPE reinforcing mat also has to exactly match the recessed area, so there are no gaps. In view of these challenging injection moulding conditions, the manufacturer of high-quality cameras can rely on the manufacturer of high-quality TPEs: In cooperation with Leica, KRAIBURG TPE developed solutions for tool design and application engineering. "We received sample material early on, in addition to useful information for the prototyping process, which enabled us to start production very quickly. Gluing of the grips was a high-precision process. We were glad to have on-site support from KRAIBURG TPE and their flexibility in responding to problems," Oliver Neumann, a production planning specialist at Leica, summarizes.
Compounds for demanding applications
The decision of the Leica engineers to use THERMOLAST® A is no coincidence. These compounds were developed for applications in the automotive industry and for tool grips, so they are highly resistant to many types of influences. The TPE components can withstand scratches, media such as perspiration and alcohol, atmospheric conditions and UV radiation, which makes them ideal for use in extreme outdoor conditions and also for high-quality grip surfaces, such as those on Leica cameras and binoculars.
The compounds are suitable both for extrusion and injection moulding processes and feature excellent adhesion to hard components such as PC and ABS. The TPE series is available in the colours Black, as used in the Leica products, or Natural and in hardnesses from 40 to 80 ShA.
About KRAIBURG TPE
KRAIBURG TPE (www.kraiburg-tpe.com) manufactures thermoplastic elastomers based on HSBC (hydrogenated styrene block copolymers) and markets them all around the world. In addition to custom solutions, the company offers under the THERMOLAST® brand name a broad spectrum of standardized compounds to cover a wide range of applications. With its high-performance HIPEX® compound, KRAIBURG TPE is opening up the world of rubber for all the companies that process thermoplastics. The TPE specialist has production sites in Germany, the USA and Malaysia. The sales organization covers Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Taiwan, Mexico and Brazil. In Japan KRAIBURG TPE is represented by a distributor.
About Leica
Leica Camera AG (www.leica.com) is an international manufacturer of premium cameras and sport optics products. The lenses manufactured by this long-established company have made the Leica brand a legend. In combination with innovative technologies they provide for a better picture in every kind of situation involving seeing and perception.
The head office of Leica Camera AG is in the Hessian city of Solms; the second production site is in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal. The company has subsidiaries in England, France, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA. New, innovative products have driven the company's development in the recent past.
Joe Grande
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