APS Elastomers Develops ‘Tough’ TPU for Target Stands

Avid sportsman and target shooter, Greg Gempler was looking for an inexpensive, flexible, adjustable, and easily transportable target stand that could hold anything from paper to steel.  Most importantly, it had to be bullet resistant; withstanding large caliber, high velocity rounds through repeated hits. He soon discovered that there were many variations of target stands; everything from sheets of plywood and boxes to expensive and elaborate contraptions that required a flatbed truck to transport. "As an avid target shooter, I got to thinking there has to be a better way”, says Gempler. Necessity is the mother of invention, so Greg took it upon himself to create The Last Stand.

Made in Idaho, The Last Stand are molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPU) brackets that clip onto rebar rods to construct an A-frame swing type target stand. The height can be adjusted by varying the length of the rebar inserted through the bracket; allowing a range of adjustment for angled ground. “Greg needed a material that would allow a projectile to pass through without destroying the part itself”, says Stephane Morin, owner of APS Elastomers.  The target stands also required a friction component that allows the legs to remain solidly in place when assembled. “Other materials were too "slick" and the rebar would slide out of place”, adds Greg.

The Last Stand

APS Elastomers proposed a TPU to Greg that met specific requirements for molding The Last Stand; tough and durable, easy processing, good colorability, well suited for soft and rigid application, lightweight, excellent low temperature flexibility, and fatigue resistant.

The Last Stand is the culmination of nearly two years of product development and testing. “It’s the target suspension system shooters have been waiting for”, says Greg.

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

For more information about The Last Stand, visit www.laststands.com