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New pearlescent and translucent colours for TPEs
New pearlescent
and translucent
calours
onds rather than minutes, and is fully recyclable. Parts do not require deflashing or trimming and cold moulding is possible, as there is no need for vulcanization at high temperatures. In the automotive industry, as well as applications like mudflaps, TPEs are being used to manufacture components such as soft-touch dashboard equipment and door handles. Translucent TPEs are used to manufacture soft-touch illuminated switches and new applications are continually being found. The building industry is another growth area for
UK company Vita Thermoplastic Polymers has developed a new range of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds in pearlescent and translucent colours, which the company says will create a new series of applications for TPEs, with the automotive sector being a target market. The company is part of Vita Thermoplastic Compounds and worked with fellow subsidiary Silvergate Plastics, a colour masterbatch producer, on the new product range. The company says that it has supplied compounds to the
TPEs, where they can be used for window seals, balustrades and door furniture. Silvergate Plastics says that its background is as a colourist for the packaging industry, however, the opportunity to work with other companies in the Vita Thermoplastic Compounds group is providing new opportunities, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. Contact: Vita Thermoplastic Compounds Tel: +44 161 643 1133 Fti: +44 161 653 3722
automotive industry for applications, such as mudflaps and door fittings, which were usually rubber before the advent of TPEs. Now these components can be moulded inpearlescent colours that will match metallic paint finishes, or in translucent colours to provide a subtle distinction for the car. Thermoplastic elastomers have a number of advantages including the elastomeric properties of conventional rubber combined with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. It offers fast cycle times that are measured in sec-
•I
Plastics Additives
& Compounding
March 2000
and translucent
calours
onds rather than minutes, and is fully recyclable. Parts do not require deflashing or trimming and cold moulding is possible, as there is no need for vulcanization at high temperatures. In the automotive industry, as well as applications like mudflaps, TPEs are being used to manufacture components such as soft-touch dashboard equipment and door handles. Translucent TPEs are used to manufacture soft-touch illuminated switches and new applications are continually being found. The building industry is another growth area for
UK company Vita Thermoplastic Polymers has developed a new range of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds in pearlescent and translucent colours, which the company says will create a new series of applications for TPEs, with the automotive sector being a target market. The company is part of Vita Thermoplastic Compounds and worked with fellow subsidiary Silvergate Plastics, a colour masterbatch producer, on the new product range. The company says that it has supplied compounds to the
TPEs, where they can be used for window seals, balustrades and door furniture. Silvergate Plastics says that its background is as a colourist for the packaging industry, however, the opportunity to work with other companies in the Vita Thermoplastic Compounds group is providing new opportunities, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. Contact: Vita Thermoplastic Compounds Tel: +44 161 643 1133 Fti: +44 161 653 3722
automotive industry for applications, such as mudflaps and door fittings, which were usually rubber before the advent of TPEs. Now these components can be moulded inpearlescent colours that will match metallic paint finishes, or in translucent colours to provide a subtle distinction for the car. Thermoplastic elastomers have a number of advantages including the elastomeric properties of conventional rubber combined with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. It offers fast cycle times that are measured in sec-
•I
Plastics Additives
& Compounding
March 2000