Joby, a US based consumer products company, has developed a highly innovative flexible tripod, 'Gorillapod' for digital camera which makes possible snapshots from viewpoints not even thinkable with conventional rigid tripods. Joby works with manufacturers in China and utilizes compounds formulated by German thermoplastic elastomer manufacturer KRAIBURG TPE. The excellent anti-slip properties inherent to these TPEs in the THERMOLAST® K group lend the tripod a perfect grip. Its articulated legs can be wrapped around branches, lampposts or even stones. At the same time these compounds achieve faultless bonding with ABS, the resin used for the body of the tripod, and can be worked in a fast and economical two-component co-injection processes. Over and above that, the TPEs can easily be dyed, permitting color variations in the product. They also offer - in addition to their technical functions - maximum freedom for developing customized product designs.
For this purpose, Joby tested elastomers made by a number of companies but finally decided to use KRAIBURG TPE products particularly because of their superior bonding to the rigid ABS plastic. A co-injection process is used to form the soft elements on the 30 or more joints in the three-legged stand, where TPE achieves perfect frictional hold. This lightweight, pocket-sized tripod can hold cameras weighing up to 325 grams and will gain a sure grip on every conceivable surface. The pliable and elastic TPE material attains a firm hold regardless of whether the supporting material is wood, stone or plastic. Flexible joints bend and rotate 360° to form the perfect shape. The compounds are especially stable, weather and wear-resistant and scratch-proof.
02-Jun-09 
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