TPEs for personal electronics offer range of properties for comfort, durability, on-the-go style

17-Dec-14

A versatile series of TPEs developed by Teknor Apex Company for consumer electronics provides the enhanced functionality, pleasing tactile properties, vivid color, and durability that are particularly valuable for constant-use personal devices like in-ear headphones, computer mice, fitness trackers, and smart watches. To be introduced at NPE 2015, the consumer electronics series of compounds is part of the Monprene® family of TPEs. All products in the series exhibit resistance to skin oil, stains, household chemicals, and UV and are free of latex, phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals. Grades for over-molding show excellent adhesion to polycarbonate, ABS, and PC/ABS. Custom formulation by Teknor Apex makes possible a wide choice of surface properties—from plastic-like to rubbery, from silky smooth to “grippy,” and from glossy to matte. The compounds can be supplied in light, natural-colored pellets or custom-colored to match any requirement. Besides custom-formulating any of the Monprene compounds to meet customer requirements, Teknor Apex can provide engineering support for application development and can supply identical formulations around the world, according to Brian Mulvany, senior manager of consumer, industrial, and electrical markets for the company’s Thermoplastic Elastomer Division. “Monprene compounds for consumer electronics derive from commercially proven TPEs in markets where Teknor Apex has longstanding expertise, such as medical, wire and cable, personal care, and safety products,” said Mr. Mulvany. “Building on this experience, we have developed property portfolios optimized for electronics applications that involve prolonged use in intimate human contact.”