KRAIBURG TPE Corp.
2625 N. Berkeley Lake Rd.,
Suite 100
Duluth, GA, 30096
USA
Press release date: April 18,
2012
Keeping a firm grip
The gripping surfaces of
cameras and binoculars manufactured by Leica Camera AG are made of high-quality
TPE of the product group THERMOLAST® A. They are extremely scratch-resistant,
pleasing to the touch and also offer production advantages due to the specialized
knowledge and consulting expertise of KRAIBURG TPE.
Waldkraiburg - KRAIBURG TPE
compounds ensure a steady hand for sharp, clear pictures. Precisely dimensioned
TPE mats serve as reinforcement material for the grips of the Leica S2 camera
and the Ultravid binocular series. These
high-quality products are manufactured using the product group THERMOLAST® A,
which is pleasant to the touch and highly scratch resistant. Leica's in-house
testing processes, developed based on customer applications, confirm that the
grips made of KRAIBURG TPE compounds withstand all effects of daily use, such
as perspiration, alcohol and atmospheric conditions. Nor does the photographer
have to worry about ill effects, since the TPEs are free of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, phthalates and allergens and are RoHS and REACH compliant.
Precision in the production process
The grips of the Leica
cameras and binoculars consist of thin TPE mats that are integrated in the
casing for a firm and stable grip. This is the result of a painstaking
production process: the reinforcing mats are manufactured in a single-component
process and then glued into recesses specially moulded in the casing. The depth
of the recesses varies depending on the shape of the casing and therefore affects
the thickness of the TPE layer. The size of the TPE reinforcing mat also has to
exactly match the recessed area, so there are no gaps. In view of these
challenging injection moulding conditions, the manufacturer of high-quality
cameras can rely on the manufacturer of high-quality TPEs: In cooperation with
Leica, KRAIBURG TPE developed solutions for tool design and application
engineering. "We received sample material early on, in addition to useful
information for the prototyping process, which enabled us to start production
very quickly. Gluing of the grips was a high-precision process. We were glad to
have on-site support from KRAIBURG TPE and their flexibility in responding to
problems," Oliver Neumann, a production planning specialist at Leica, summarizes.
Compounds for demanding applications
The decision of the Leica
engineers to use THERMOLAST® A is no coincidence. These compounds were
developed for applications in the automotive industry and for tool grips, so
they are highly resistant to many types of influences. The TPE components can
withstand scratches, media such as perspiration and alcohol, atmospheric
conditions and UV radiation, which makes them ideal for use in extreme outdoor
conditions and also for high-quality grip surfaces, such as those on Leica
cameras and binoculars.
The compounds are suitable
both for extrusion and injection moulding processes and feature excellent
adhesion to hard components such as PC and ABS. The TPE series is available in
the colours Black, as used in the Leica products, or Natural and in hardnesses
from 40 to 80 ShA.
About KRAIBURG TPE
KRAIBURG TPE
(www.kraiburg-tpe.com) manufactures thermoplastic elastomers based on HSBC
(hydrogenated styrene block copolymers) and markets them all around the world.
In addition to custom solutions, the company offers under the THERMOLAST® brand
name a broad spectrum of standardized compounds to cover a wide range of
applications. With its high-performance HIPEX® compound, KRAIBURG TPE is
opening up the world of rubber for all the companies that process
thermoplastics. The TPE specialist has production sites in Germany, the USA and
Malaysia. The sales organization covers Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain,
China, India, Taiwan, Mexico and Brazil. In Japan KRAIBURG TPE is represented
by a distributor.
About Leica
Leica Camera AG
(www.leica.com) is an international manufacturer of premium cameras and sport
optics products. The lenses manufactured by this long-established company have
made the Leica brand a legend. In combination with innovative technologies they
provide for a better picture in every kind of situation involving seeing and
perception.
The head office of Leica
Camera AG is in the Hessian city of Solms; the second production site is in
Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal. The company has subsidiaries in England,
France, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA. New, innovative
products have driven the company's development in the recent past.
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