Tuesday, November 17, 2015

APS Elastomers Formulates Proprietary TPE for Wheelchair Grips



Intelliwheels, the maker of handrim grips for wheelchairs, wanted a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) specially formulated with the right amount of abrasion resistance; allowing greater control and responsiveness for wheelchair users. APS Elastomers developed a TPE with the precise feel and grip needed for wheelchair users to obtain more power going up hills, over carpet and demanding terrain.  “APS Elastomer provided a proprietary formulation with the right amount of abrasion resistance and tackiness; allowing better grip, control and responsiveness when stopping, starting and turning”, says Scott Daigle of Intelliwheels. 

Fit Grip by Intelliwheels
Characterized by its soft feel and cushioning nature, TPEs work well alone or can be bonded to many other harder substrates to improve functionality and design. “We formulated a TPE with better abrasion resistance as well as a combination of aesthetic, sensory, and performance characteristics that allowed Intelliwheels considerable design flexibility”, say Stephane Morin, owner of APS Elastomers. Available in natural pellets, APS Elastomers’ TPEs offer superb colorability.

The patent pending design increases the circumference of the hand rim to minimize the strain on hands, wrists and forearms, while the improved grip allows users to push with less effort. The latex free grips wrap 3/4 of the way around the push rim providing extra grip on the pushing surface leaving the underside exposed for fine adjustments and braking.  Fit Grips stretch to fit over 24”-26” wheels, including power assist wheels and ergonomic handrims. For more information about Fit Grips visit intelliwheels.net/fit-grips.

Fit Grip by Intelliwheels
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

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

A weekly look at new products, innovations

http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151109965/a-weekly-look-at-new-products-innovations