Thermoplastic
Elastomers (TPEs) are finding more applications and enabling better and more sophisticated
designs. After years of design and testing, an expert moldmaker and
world champion taxidermist was approached by Stephane Morin, owner
of APS Elastomers with a better material solution. Working
in conjunction with APS Elastomers and taxidermy experts, the molder recreates
earliners, earbutts, as well as replacement noses and tongues using a special translucent flexible TPE to
obtain the proper thickness, the perfect color, and exact shape needed to reconstruct
anatomically accurate parts.
Ease of
processing coupled with the superior post-shaping and sealing characteristics
of the material render Maxelast® TPE the ideal material to replicate parts
needed for taxidermy. “The choice of materials used in the
production of taxidermy parts is absolutely critical in order to meet our
customers high standards”, says Stephane Morin. Maxelast® TPE combines the properties of
rubber (elasticity, cold weather resistance and soft touch) with the
processability of plastics allowing products to be designed and fabricated
faster, easier and more economically.
Complex structures, all forms are sculpted differently;
achieving the proper fit and transition. Intrinsically detailed, the ears
feature a natural translucent cartilage color, detailed inner ear structure,
proper auditory ridges, the correct bulge of the conchal cartilage, and the
natural roll back of the tip. The molded ears, tongues and noses have the
cleanest edges and finest lines of any taxidermy parts on the market; providing
outstanding adhesion with a variety of hide pastes and epoxies.
When
extruded or co-extruded, the Maxelast® grade can be miter-cut and heat welded
for corner fastening products and applications, providing yet another benefit
by reducing the need by processors and marketers to produce different-sized
products. Depending on the grade, the Maxelast® D-Series TPEs can also be
foamed to achieve a smooth surface or skin. Additional benefits include good weatherability,
UV stability, long service life, weight reduction, reprocessability and recyclability.
The D-Series of Maxelast TPEs are available in natural, black or transparent
grades for easy coloring in hardness ranges from 30 to 60 Shore A.
“Combining thermoplastic elastomer knowledge, detail product
design, and expert mold making has resulted in the best commercial and competition
taxidermy parts on the market”, adds Morin.
For more
information on how APS Elastomers can find cost-effective solutions, develop
proprietary formulations, and enhance products faster and more efficiently,
contact info@apstpe.com
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