THERMOLAST® K Compounds for Safe Dog Toys
Aesthetic Dog Toys with THERMOLAST® K Overmolding from KRAIBURG TPE
KRAIBURG TPE has showcased its expertise in customized Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) by developing a compound that offers the ideal balance of hardness and flexibility for durable dog toys, coupled with excellent adhesion to polyamide and outstanding colorability.
Within the pet toy market, there is increasing demand for safe and sustainable materials that are free from hazardous substances, yet remain aesthetically pleasing and durable. Key required properties include uncompromising processability, high flowability, tear resistance, adhesion to PA6, and excellent colorability.
“Pet toys represent a growing segment in the consumer goods market, and consumers expect them to be as safe, sustainable, and robust as children's toys,” states Kevin Gase, Sales and Marketing Director at KRAIBURG TPE. “Concurrently, manufacturers require innovative materials that fulfill their economic requirements and contribute to enhancing competitiveness.”
With the selected THERMOLAST® K compounds, KRAIBURG TPE delivered a solution that fully meets these expectations. KRAIBURG TPE possesses extensive experience with hard/soft combinations. The thermoplastic elastomer can be precisely matched to the rigid component and requires no adhesion promoters, even when overmolding semi-crystalline resins such as PA6 and PA66. The broad spectrum of proven applications ranges from personal care items and machine tools to fastening elements for the automotive industry.
Furthermore, the natural-colored material selected for the dog bone can be dyed in bright, intense colors, providing a highly attractive and scratch-resistant surface. THERMOLAST® K from KRAIBURG TPE is also exceptionally resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and weathering. “We were also able to precisely adjust the mechanical properties of the compound to the required hardness and flexibility to achieve the desired recovery characteristics and soft haptics,” remarks Gase.
Another crucial customer requirement was the desire for a product that is safe. The TPE compound is manufactured according to stringent quality and purity standards. KRAIBURG TPE materials comply with both REACH and RoHS regulations. These materials are free from phthalates, halogens, latex, and heavy metals, and as a thermoplastic material, THERMOLAST® K can be recycled after use.
THERMOLAST® K from KRAIBURG TPE addresses the market demand in the pet toy segment for safe, sustainable, and economical materials that offer excellent processability and high aesthetic appeal. (Photo: © 2019 KRAIBURG TPE) Kraiburg TPE products are available on the Austrian market through Plastoplan Kunststoffe.
