Key Material Data

Important Materials Data KRAIBURG TPE has implemented a new system at its production facilities at its headquarters in Waldkraiburg, Bavaria. This system enables rapid switching between temperature-controlled tool inserts in injection molding processes to obtain precise data on flowability, surface quality and adhesion of specific material compounds, making it more efficient to meet customer requirements. As demand for materials continues to increase, there is a constant need for progress and innovation in materials and testing. Experience has shown that standard test plates have limited use when validating materials. Beyond mechanical properties, elements such as flowability and surface quality are also important. To address these situations and meet customer requirements, KRAIBURG TPE decided to offer different adhesion options for each product design. The tools are mounted on a new injection molding machine with a clamping force of 1,100 kN. They are primarily used for internal Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) testing and for preparing test and sample plates of commercial or customer-specified TPE compounds for special material testing. [caption id="attachment_137601" align="aligncenter"] Image: The new system at KRAIBURG TPE's main production facility enables rapid switching between temperature-controlled tool inserts in injection molding processes to obtain precise data on flowability, surface quality and adhesion of specific material compounds. (© KRAIBURG TPE)[/caption] Smart sensor technology provides repeatable data. This information improves the analysis of the injection molding qualities of compounds when used in various gate systems. Different tool inserts can also be used to create and analyze various surfaces. EPDM adhesion can also be evaluated according to Guideline 2701 of the German Rubber Industry Trade Association (WDK), adopted in 2019. This meets both the internal and external requirements of the material to be characterized. Areas that can benefit from this:

• Surface structures for vehicle interiors,
• Evaluation of demolding properties of super soft compounds,
• Determination of actual internal tool pressure.

(FH) Grit Müller, Senior Engineer from KRAIBURG TPE Application Engineering Team, said "The clear advantage of this tool design is the flexibility when researching important material data" and added "This allows new TPE compounds to be examined more precisely." The system and interchangeable inserts were developed and produced in collaboration with Konstruktionsbüro Hein and Monz Werkzeugbau. Integrating various gate systems with the shortest possible setup times proved challenging. The inserts are designed for the production of application-specific sample plates. The design is flexible and can be adapted to meet future new requirements." Source