Alliance Polymers & Services

The Secrets of Soft-Touch Success

2012-02-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Roger Huarng of Alliance Polymers & Services (APSTPE) quoted in Injection Molding Magazine
http://njmarkarian.home.comcast.net/~njmarkarian/IW_April10.pdf

New BASF Elastollan TPU Cable Sheathings Product Brochure

2012-02-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.apstpe.com/media/pdf/ElastollanTPU-8WireCable.pdf

PLASTICS: Alliance Launches TPU with Soft-touch Finishes to ...

2012-01-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

PLASTICS: Alliance Launches TPU with Soft-touch Finishes to ...: In steps to give their car interiors an upscale, first class look, automobile manufacturers including BMW, Audi and Saab are turning in in...

Alliance Polymers & Services - We Talk TPE! - NPE 2012

2012-01-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

BASF Elastollan Soft TPUs from APS Used for Timberland Waterproof Shoe Soles

2012-01-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

Timberland, a leading work shoe manufacturer headquartered in Stratham, NH, has turned to the BASF Elastollan Soft® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) from Alliance Polymers and Services, LLC (APS) for some of their Timberland Pro® work shoes.

Timberland Pro® Five Star™ and Renova™ series are popular with professionals working in hotel kitchens and laundries where the primary need for the soles is to provide outstanding performance including non-slip and abrasion resistance.

soft TPU shoe sole

According to company sources, the reasons for the selection included:

• Excellent wet and dry slip resistance

• Durability

• Ability to be easily molded into geometric designs

• Low temperature flexibility

• Abrasion resistance

• Soft, grades available from Shore A 35 to 70.

• Shock absorption

• Lightweight

Alliance Polymers and Services, LLC (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs. APS is unique in that they offer elastomer materials in quantities large and small (from truckloads down to drums and bags).

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin, and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in key cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information contact:

Alliance Polymers and Services, LLC

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700. Fax: 734-7106715.

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

APS @ NPE2012

2012-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

ALLIANCE POLYMERS AND SERVICES TO SHOWCASE:

ONE OF TPE INDUSTRY’S BROADEST PRODUCT LINES

LATEST TPU DEVELOPMENTS/BREAKTHROUGHS BY BASF

TPE INDUSTRY’S NEWEST COMPOUNDING MANUFACTURING OR “TWEAKING” FACILITY

During NPE 2012, April 1-5, 2012 in booth #57020 (TPE Pavilion, North Hall), elastomers distributor and technical service provider Alliance Polymers and Services, LLC (APS) will highlight three new elastomer innovations, among them:

· One of the TPE industry’s broadest and most versatile lines of SEBS-based thermoplastic elastomers, the 7 Families of Maxelast® TPEs from Polymax, with emphasis on TPEs for consumer and industrial products.

· Latest developments of the world’s best selling TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethanes) by BASF Corporation, sold under the trade name Elastollan® TPUs.

· News and details on the TPE industry’s newest and most versatile compounding facilities where customers can have special grades of TPEs formulated or existing Maxelast TPE grades “tweaked” for their unique or one-of-a-kind applications.

APS Maxelast TPE Lines to be Highlighted at NPE include:

Maxelast C series of ultra clear TPEs for products ranging from soft gel shoe insoles and health and exercise equipment, new D Series TPEs for extrusion applications which is offered as a cost- effective replacement for vulcanized rubber and EPDM and Maxelast D series extrudable film series for gloves.

APS Elastollan TPU Lines from BASF

Elastollan 785 A 10 HPM series TPUs for flat cables, formulated for hybrid and electric vehicles and Elatollan TPU series AC85A for car handles and other interior automotive parts requiring durability.

The New APS TPE Compounding Lab

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs. APS is unique in that they offer elastomer materials in quantities large and small (from truckloads down to drums and bags). APS works with a series of independent technical agents located in key cities and markets throughout North America.

For more information on what new products and services APS will be introducing and highlighting at NPE 2012, contact: Marketing Department, Alliance Polymers and Services (APS), 30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400, Romulus, MI 48174.

Tel: 734-710-6700

Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com

Email: sales@apstpe.com

MATERIALS: Cast-Film TPE Tailored for Disposable Gloves : Plastics Technology

2011-12-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

MATERIALS: Cast-Film TPE Tailored for Disposable Gloves : Plastics Technology

Plastics News - Alliance Polymers supports TPU-based tire chains

2011-12-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

Plastics News - Alliance Polymers supports TPU-based tire chains

NEW MAXELAST CAST FILM EXTRUDED TPE GRADE DEVELOPED EXPRESSLY FOR DISPOSABLE GLOVES

2011-11-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

Versatile, and Softens and Shapes In Use to Become More Comfortable

ROMULUS, MI (November 25, 2011) – With the goal of eliminating the shortfalls of disposable PVC, PE and rubber gloves used in many industries, a new Maxelast® TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) has been formulated to offer numerous superior benefits. Polymax Maxelast TPEs are sold exclusively in North America by Alliance Polymers & Services (APS).

APS will send a free sample pair of gloves to qualified inquirers.

Among the benefits of new Maxelast D Series grade D01-0421 for disposable gloves are:

Easy to manufacture by cast film extrusion
Latex and phthalate free
Non-toxic and odorless
Compliant with FDA food contact grade standards plus meet RoHS, PAHs and REACH standards
More comfortable than PVC or PE gloves
Lighter weight and thinner (0.09 ounces per piece and thicknesses of only 0.03 – 0.04 mm, respectively)
Actually turns softer and shapes to a user’s hands when worn
Silent – no noise caused by friction

Typical uses for these breakthrough cast film extruded gloves made from Maxelast TPEs include, but are not limited to, food service applications, medical, emergency treatment, nursing care, lab test, food processing, and electronics, medical products and general manufacturing.

This grade is available and can be shipped in sizes from bags to gaylords.

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs. APS is unique in that they offer elastomer materials in quantities large and small (from truckloads down to drums and bags). APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in key cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on the new Maxelast D 01-0421grade of TPEs for cast film extruding disposable gloves and a free sample pair, contact: Marketing Department, Alliance Polymers & Services LLC, 30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400, Romulus, MI 48174. Tel: 734-710-6700. Fax: 734-7106715. Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

Alliance Polymers Introduces Latest Maxelast® TPE for Disposable Gloves - Industry News

2011-11-28T06:06:00.000-08:00

Alliance Polymers Introduces Latest Maxelast® TPE for Disposable Gloves - Industry News

ALLIANCE POLYMERS & SERVICES BOOTH #57020 AT TPE PAVILION IN ORLANDO, FL FROM APRIL 1-5, 2012

2011-11-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

NPE2012
http://npe.org/

VISIT ALLIANCE POLYMERS & SERVICES BOOTH #57020 AT TPE PAVILION ORLANDO, FL
APRIL 1-5, 2012

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC (APS) invites you to stop by our 20’ booth #57020 in the TPE Pavilion in the North Hall at NPE2012. We are proud to take part in NPE2012 and hope you will join us as our special guest by offering you this free registration to the show and exhibition, April 1 – 5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Use this link http://www.NPE2012GUEST.org/?e=593883 to register for a free Expo Pass, which includes admission to “Super Sunday” events, Monday’s sports night, exhibits, specialty pavilions, technology theaters, and NPE shuttle services. Co-located conference programs require additional registration and fees.

In our booth, you will discover the latest elastomer offerings from BASF Elastollan® TPUs as well as the new and expanding lines of TPEs sold under the Polymax Maxelast® name. We offer a complete range of elastomer materials and solutions, specializing in competitive pricing, quick deliveries and skilled technical service.

NPE 2012 booth #57020 (TPE Pavilion, North Hall), elastomers distributor and technical service provider Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) will highlight three new elastomer innovations, among them:

· Latest developments of the world’s best selling TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethanes) by BASF Corporation, sold under the trade name Elastollan® TPUs;

APS Maxelast TPE Lines to be Highlighted at NPE include:

Maxelast C series of ultra clear TPEs for products ranging from soft gel shoe insoles and health and exercise equipment, new D Series TPEs for extrusion applications which is offered as a cost effective replacement for vulcanized rubber and EPDM and Maxelast D series extrudable film series for gloves.

APS Elastollan TPU Lines from BASF

The New APS TPE Compounding Lab

You will not want to miss the exciting new technology that will be on display as NPE2012 reshapes the future of plastics. From the running machinery on the show floor to the educational sessions and emerging technology pavilions, NPE2012 is truly Breaking the Mold when it comes to business opportunities for the entire industry. With a new venue in Orlando and significant travel, accommodation and attractions savings for all attendees, NPE2012 will take on a fresh, bold form unlike any plastics showcase in the world.

Plastics News - Discs keeping Alliance sales flying high

2011-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Plastics News - Discs keeping Alliance sales flying high

Search the Show - Attend - 2012 NPE - Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC

2011-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Search the Show - Attend - 2012 NPE - Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC

Attend - 2012 NPE

2011-09-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Attend - 2012 NPE
Visit Alliance Polymers & Services Booth # 57020 at NPE2012 in Orlando, Florida from April 1-5, 2012

APS Unveils New Series of Thermoplastic Elastomers

2011-09-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

APS Unveils New Series of Thermoplastic Elastomers

ELASTOLLAN® TPUs EXCEED REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLE CABLE SHEATHING APPLICATION

2011-09-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

The growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles has placed increasing demands on OEMs and automobile manufacturers to offer cable harnesses and leads which withstand greater rigors than ever before, namely increased voltage (1,000 volts or more) and higher temperatures 300°F.

In response, Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) now offers the latest high temperature grade of BASF Elastollan® TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that exceeds the standards required for such applications. Thus, Elastollan 785 A 10 HPM polyester TPU can withstand temperatures up to 300°F (150°C) for up to 3,000 hours and required mandrel tests without showing cracks or deformations, stickiness or excessive color change. In addition, this TPU grade offers the excellent properties normally associated with thermoplastic polyurethanes – lower compression set, good wear and chemical resistance plus high tear and tensile strength. This grade has a typical Shore A hardness of 85.

Further, this latest addition to the Elastollan HPM family is claimed by the company to be less expensive and easier to process than competitive materials. The TPU line is available from company warehousing and distribution facilities in the Midwest and from their East and West coast warehouse locations.

For more information on the new Elastollan® HPM grade of TPU for cable sheathings, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS)

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700

Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com

Email: sales@apstpe.com

MATERIALS: Styrenic TPEs for Extrusion : Plastics Technology

2011-09-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

MATERIALS: Styrenic TPEs for Extrusion : Plastics Technology

Elastollan TPU 1100 Series Hose & Tube

2011-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

The robust characteristics of Elastollan make it the superior choice for use in hose and tube applications.

Elastollan provides puncture and abrasion resistance, along with an impressively high burst-pressure rating, yet it also ensures a high degree of flexibility for kink resistance and ease of coiling. BASF also has the chemical expertise to enhance additional key Elastollan properties:

Polyether-based grades of Elastollan offer improved microbial resistance, enhanced resistance to weak acids/bases and moisture/humidity, and low service temperatures.
Polyester-based grades of Elastollan supply improved resistance to oils/solvents and weather (UV), along with high service temperatures.
Grades of Elastollan can be formulated with flame-retarding characteristics as well the ability to meet FDA and other certifications.

Water Hoses (NSF)

When used in the health and safety industry, water hoses benefit from Elastollan traits like high burst pressure and hydrolytic stability, as well as NSF 61 certification.

Need help finding an Elastollan TPU product for a hose and tube application that isn’t listed? Contact Alliance Polymers & Services at 734-710-6700 or info@apstpe.com and one of our TPU professionals will provide you with expert advice on how Elastollan TPUs can help meet your needs.

Spiral Hoses

Elastollan TPU is the perfect choice for spiral hose manufacturers, providing great long-term and low-temperature flexibility, superior abrasion/cut/tear resistance and excellent hydrolytic stability.

Pneumatic Hoses & Brake Tubes

Top-rated pneumatic hoses and brake tubes can be easily produced using Elastollan, which adds abrasion/tear/cut/puncture resistance, high burst pressure, high elasticity and coil retention, long-term flexibility, oil/fuel resistance, low-temperature flexibility and hydrolytic stability

Organic Waste Pipes

Notable impact and abrasion resistance, high burst pressure and resistance to waste chemicals are just some of the Elastollan qualities relied on in making organic waste pipes.

Medical Tubes

Makers of quality medical tubing can depend on Elastollan for high burst pressure, hydrolytic stability, transparency, clarity and both FDA and USP Class VI certification.

Irrigation Hoses

Traits such as impact and abrasion resistance, high burst pressure, resistance to weathering, color stability and resistance to farm chemicals allow Elastollan to be successfully utilized in irrigation hoses.

Hydraulic Hoses

When used to manufacture hydraulic hoses, Elastollan is notable for its ability to impart fuel/oil resistance, low-temperature flexibility, abrasion/cut/tear resistance, puncture resistance, hydrolytic stability, creep resistance and high-temperature resistance.

Fuel Hoses

Offering fuel/oil resistance, low-temperature flexibility, abrasion/cut/tear resistance, puncture resistance, hydrolytic stability, creep resistance and high-temperature resistance, Elastollan can fuel the production of high-quality fuel hoses.

Fire Hoses

When used to manufacture fire hoses, Elastollan offers a high burst pressure and excellent hydrolytic stability, along with certification from NSF.

Conveyer Hoses

Exceptional tear/cut/abrasion resistance, high puncture resistance, long-term flexibility and low-temperature flexibility are among the qualities Elastollan brings to the manufacture of conveyor hoses. And BASF's polyester-grade Elastollan is particularly suitable for fuel conveyor hoses.

Cured-in-place Pipe (CIPP)

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) applications demand superior Elastollan properties such as high burst pressure, long-term flexibility, NSF certification, hydrolytic stability, and chemical resistance.

Catheters (FDA & NAMSA)

Microbial resistance, high burst pressure, hydrolytic stability, transparency and compliancy with FDA, USP Class VI and NSF 61 all combine to make Elastollan an excellent product for manufacturing catheters.

Elastollan TPU 1100 Series Wire & Cable

2011-08-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

For premium wire and cable products, Elastollan offers a variety of outstanding properties. Among them are its durability, flexibility through a wide temperature range and excellent moisture resistance. Elastollan also has unique characteristics for more specialized uses, such as outstanding abrasion resistance and coil-retention for coiled cable products. Further, Elastollan formulations can be adjusted by leveraging BASF’s expertise in the chemical industry:

Because it is available in both polyether- and polyester-based forms, Elastollan can be formulated for improved microbial resistance and resistance to weak acids/bases, oils/solvents, weather (UV), and low or high temperatures.
It can also be made with flame-retardant qualities using both proprietary halogenated and non-halogenated additives.
It has the ability to meet FDA and other certifications.

Land Seismic Cables

Elastollan can shake things up by being used to manufacture land seismic cables that stand out in terms high puncture resistance, long-term and low-temperature flexibility, microbial resistance, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability

Snow Cables

Getting a good grip on snow cable manufacturing is simple with Elastollan, which supplies low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, high elasticity, high tensile strength, microbial resistance and abrasion/cut/tear resistance.

Robot Cables

Imparting good tear/cut/abrasion resistance, long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, microbial resistance, hydrolytic stability, oil/fuel resistance, resistance to weathering and color stability, Elastollan is an excellent selection for making robot cables.

Over-Molded Connectors & Components

For outstanding results in the production of over-molded connectors, Elastollan offers tight seals, good adhesion to substrates, hydrolytic resistance, strain reliefs, microbial resistance and resistance to oil.

Oil Exploration Cables

Companies searching for the right material for oil exploration cables can rely on Elastollan for high puncture resistance, long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, microbial resistance, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.

Mining Cables (MSHA,UL)

When made from Elastollan, mining cables can be certified by both MSHA and UL. In addition, they benefit from flex-fatigue resistance, long-term and low-temperature flexibility, and hydrolytic stability.

Elastollan characteristics such as long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, good electric properties and microbial resistance all help in the manufacturing of first-class flex cables.

Flame Retardant Mining Cables

In addition to its flame-retarding characteristics, Elastollan also imparts flex-fatigue resistance, long-term flexibility and low-temperature flexibility to flame retardant mining cables.

Cable Jacketing

Superior cable jacketing requires superior Elastollan qualities that include long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, good electric properties and microbial resistance. Flame-retardant and halogen-free Elastollan grades are particularly well suited for high-performance cable uses.

Automotive Sensor Cables

High-quality automotive sensor cables require Elastollan properties such as abrasion/tear/cut resistance, long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, microbial resistance, hydrolytic stability, oil/fuel resistance, resistance to weathering and color stability.

Automotive ABS Cables

Companies can stop looking for a TPU that excels in automotive ABS cables; Elastollan has it all, including low-temperature flexibility, long-term flexibility, abrasion/cut/tear resistance, hydrolytic stability, microbial resistance and oil/fuel resistance.

Need help finding an Elastollan TPU product for a wire and cable application that isn’t listed? Contact Alliance Polymers & Services at 734-710-6700 or info@apstpe.com and one of our TPU professionals will provide you with expert advice on how Elastollan TPUs can help meet your needs.

Elastollan TPU 1100 Series Film & Sheet

2011-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Elastollan offers a wide range of products and superior properties for film, sheet and fabric-coating applications. These characteristics include excellent transparency, outstanding abrasion/puncture resistance and tensile strength, and good low-temperature flexibility. In addition, specific Elastollan properties can be enhanced by BASF’s expertise in polyurethane chemistry:

Aliphatic grades are available.
Special Elastollan grades can be formulated for high Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR), good UV resistance and the ability to achieve FDA and NSF certifications.
Polyether-based grades of Elastollan offer good microbial resistance, enhanced resistance to weak acids/bases and excellent hydrolytic stability.

Polyester-based grades of Elastollan provide good oil/solvent resistance and high-temperature performance.

Wound Dressings

In addition to the characteristics mentioned above, Elastollan also provides wound dressings with hydrolytic stability, FDA and USP Class VI certification, and washability.

Wheelchair Cushions

Imparting washability, microbial resistance and hydrolytic stability, Elastollan is an important part of the manufacture of wheelchair cushions.

Softball Covers

Elastollan is a big hit with makers of softball covers, who prefer the BASF TPU for its tear/cut/abrasion resistance, high puncture resistance, long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.

Ski Laminates

Tear/cut/abrasion resistance, high puncture resistance, long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability are just some of the Elastollan characteristics that aid the production of ski laminates.

Collapsible Fuel Tanks

When used in the manufacture of collapsible fuel tanks, Elastollan can impart abrasion/tear/cut resistance, high burst pressure, good adhesion to fabric, barrier properties, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, fuel resistance, resistance to weathering and color stability.

Breathable Sport Fabrics

For breathable sport fabrics, Elastollan has you covered with traits such as cut/tear/abrasion resistance, high puncture resistance, low-temperature/long-term flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.

Bike Seat Covers

Elastollan can help smooth the road to producing superior bike seat covers with characteristics including tear/cut/abrasion resistance, high puncture resistance, long-term flexibility, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability

Automotive Foam-In-Place Seats

Manufacturers are comfortable using Elastollan for automotive foam-in-place seats because of the TPU’s significant tear/cut/abrasion resistance, adhesion to fabric, barrier properties, low-temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability

Bedsheets (Moisture Barriers)

Elastollan offers products with excellent hydrolytic stability and microbial resistance for use in manufacturing bedsheets.

Need help finding an Elastollan TPU product for a film and sheet application that isn’t listed? Contact Alliance Polymers & Services at 734-710-6700 or info@apstpe.com and one of our TPU professionals will provide you with expert advice on how Elastollan TPUs can help meet your needs.

History Plastics 20090614 H1

2011-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers Introduces Soft & Clear TPEs for Consumer & Personal Care Applications

2011-08-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

A new, clear grade of Polymax Maxelast® C-Series thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) comprising one of the most complete product lines of soft and clear styrenic TPEs available, has just been introduced by Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS). Suggested applications range from soft gel shoe insoles and health and exercise equipment through harder grades for child and pet toys as well as a wide range of consumer and personal care applications.

With one of the broadest range of Shore A hardnesses of TPEs available on the market O Shore A to 99 Shore A the new non-toxic and environmentally friendly, odorless Maxelast C-Series of TPEs is also latex and phthalate-free. The C-Series is suggested as excellent alternatives to silicone and PVC and can be overmolded onto polypropylene or polystyrene. Further, the ultra-soft grades are ideally suited for gel shoe insoles and exercise paraphernalia where softness combined with durability (i.e. mechanical strength and rapid elastic recovery) are required.

About Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC

Maxelast Thermoplastic Elastomers | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:57:00.001-07:00

Maxelast Thermoplastic Elastomers | Informous Plastics

Elastollan-Soft | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Elastollan-Soft | Informous Plastics

Elastollan-Processing Recommendations | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

Elastollan-Processing Recommendations | Informous Plastics

Elastollan Electrical Properties | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Elastollan Electrical Properties | Informous Plastics

Elastollan 695AN TPU | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:55:00.001-07:00

Elastollan 695AN TPU | Informous Plastics

Elastollan 688AN TPU | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Elastollan 688AN TPU | Informous Plastics

Elastollan Material Properties | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Elastollan Material Properties | Informous Plastics

Elastollan Product Range | Informous Plastics

2011-08-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Elastollan Product Range | Informous Plastics

PROPRIETARY TPU MAKES FAST-GROWING SPORT THE “ULTIMATE”

2011-08-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Try to name the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and possibly the world. If you said soccer, football, or lacrosse, the correct answer is Ultimate, a sport using flying discs. It is now being played in more than 42 countries by 4.9 million men, women, boys and girls in the US alone. One reason for its popularity is the game can be played on nearly any existing field and incorporates all the beneficial elements of a fun sport. Added to this is the low cost of the equipment (flying discs) and readily available facilities. Plus, Ultimate is easy to learn and enables players to hone their skills very quickly.

Companies that make the equipment attest to the growth of this sport based on their increasing sales volumes. Producers of the discs, the Ultimate players’ trade association, and the leading materials supplier for the disc, have all experienced ongoing growth. These firms include disc manufacturer Discraft, Inc. (Wixom, MI); USA Ultimate, the US national governing body for the sport of Ultimate (Boulder, CO); and Alliance Polymers & Services (APS), (Romulus, MI). APS is the supplier and materials consultant for BASF Elastollan® brand of TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethanes) used in the manufacture of the special high performance discs.

Ultimate Explained

USA Ultimate (www.usaultimate.org) boasts more than 30,000 members. The sport of Ultimate combines the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football. The game is played by two, 7-player squads with a high-tech proprietary polyurethane disc on a field similar to a football field (70 yards of playing field and two, 25 yard end zones). The object of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent’s end zone. A dropped pass, holding a disc for more than 10 seconds, an interception or a pass out of bounds all cause a turnover. There are no officials needed in that the game is governed by the “Spirit of the Game ™”, a tradition of sportsmanship for fair play. More than 3,000 Ultimate fields now exist across the US.

No small wonder the popularity of Ultimate and other uses for discs that millions of flying discs are produced each year by Discraft at their Wixom, MI headquarters. Included in their family of products for Ultimate, Discraft has the distinction of manufacturing the Ultra-Star 175 series of Ultimate discs, the only official disc for sanctioned tournament play.

Esquire magazine ranked the Ultimate disc as #19 on their List of 31 Things Every Man Should Own.

Material a Key Factor in Quality/Flight of Disc

According to spokesmen at the Discraft headquarters, no material used in the manufacture of rugged flying discs works better than TPU (thermoplastic polyurethanes), and specifically a proprietary blend of TPU from the BASF Elastollan series of TPUs, distributed by Alliance Polymers & Services (APS). Company sources note that this particular type of thermoplastic elastomer ensures the Ultimate disc fly, handle and perform just right. Features and benefits of the discs made with TPUs include: they remain flexible in all types of weather, are extra tough and are extremely ‘grippy,’ even in wet weather.

At the Discraft headquarters just northwest of Detroit where research and development, sales and manufacturing are all accomplished under a single roof, TPU discs come off the injection molding production line in a steady stream. Careful quality control is a must, starting with the propriety designs from the firm’s engineering department, their mold building department, and finally their hot stamping/decorating operation. An especially important facet of the TPU is the even flow of the material to ensure each disc performs exactly the same as another; evenly and accurately with consistent weight distribution.

“Our choice of materials used in the production of our quality discs is absolutely critical in order to meet our high standards, not to mention those of the sport,” says Mike Wagner, VP of Operations at Discraft. “We quickly discovered many years ago that lesser polymers do not have the requisite characteristics to withstand the rigors of the game. That’s when, fortuitously, Roger Huarng, formerly of BASF Corporation and now a principal of Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) approached us with a better materials solution.”

That solution, recalls Wagner, was an extremely durable product sold under the Elastollan name. It the most durable elastomers on the market, known for its toughness along with other production and user benefits:

· Low temperature flexibility

· Tear/cut resistance

· Abrasion resistance

· Customizable with individualized hot stamping designs and logos

· High puncture resistance

· Excellent weatherability, color stable

· Long term flexibility

· Grippy/tacky feel

· Fungus resistance

Supplier/Molder Relationship Strong

As Discraft grew, the help, insight and support given by Huarng and his associates has seen Discraft expand their product line to keep in the forefront of the industry in disc sales and leadership in the Ultimate sport industry and another growing sport, Disc Golf.

For all of their quality discs, Discraft must be assured of the consistency of the TPU materials they use. Included in the “must haves” are even flow of the material during the injection molding process to ensure each and every disc has the right balance - meaning in flight the disc does not wobble. Weight is also a factor, as the weight of the disc is contingent upon the type of use for which it is designed. The complexities of the mold design by Discraft include special undercuts and ridges for various flight distances.

Depending on the time of year, production needs of Discraft vary. Therefore, the disc manufacturer relies on Alliance (APS) to provide large or smaller amounts of TPU elastomers at a moment’s notice, delivering materials on a JIT (just in time) basis. “It is our mission here at APS to provide Discraft as well as our other customers with product when and where they need it,” says Huarng at the firm’s nearby distribution headquarters. “It’s an optimum relationship between a manufacturer/molder and a materials supplier.”

About the Companies

Discraft is one of the disc industry’s leading designers and manufacturers of a wide selection of standard and specialized flying discs. Their products range from those designed for retail sale, to highly specialized custom colored and printed (hot stamped) products for teams, companies or groups wanting their own artwork for competitions or promotions. The company offers numerous grades of discs at various price levels and sells them through retailers and wholesalers worldwide.

For more information on discs or the materials:

For more information on the many Ultimate, Disc Golf or freestyle disc products, contact: Marketing Department, Discraft, 29592 Beck Road, Wixom, MI 48393. Tel: 248-624-2250. Web: www.discraft.com. Email: sales@discraft.com.

For more information on TPUs and TPEs for conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact: Marketing Department, Alliance Polymers & Services LLC, (APS), 30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400, Romulus, MI 48174. Tel: 734-710-6700. Fax: 734-710-6715. Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

New Low Cost TPEs For Less Demanding Applications from APS

2011-08-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

New Low Cost TPEs For Less Demanding Applications from APS

APS Launches New Series of Thermoplastic Elastomers for Extrusion Uses

2011-08-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

APS Launches New Series of Thermoplastic Elastomers for Extrusion Uses

Alliance Polymers & Services Introduce New TPE Line for Extruding

2011-08-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services Introduce New TPE Line for Extruding

Plastics News - Distributor Alliance Polymers has plans for Europe

2011-08-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Plastics News - Distributor Alliance Polymers has plans for Europe

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

2011-08-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

ALLIANCE POLYMERS (APS) INTRODUCES MAXELAST D-SERIES TPEs FOR EXTRUSION APPLICATIONS

2011-07-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Thermoplastics elastomers distributor Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) has introduced the new Polymax Maxelast® D-Series of TPEs (thermoplastic elastomers) for extrusion applications. They are offered as a cost effective replacement for vulcanized rubber and EPDM.

The new TPEs are a cost-effective alternative to conventional thermoset rubbers typically used for extruded glazing gaskets and seals for refrigerators, dishwashers and other appliances, pipe seals, ladder feet, water stops and blown compounds for low density seals. Additional applications include automotive and construction window and door seals, and solar products. The Maxelast D01-011A version has been used in solar panel seal applications with great success. The ability of this new Maxelast grade can be co-extruded as well. Quantities are available in 55 lb. (25 kg) bags up to truckloads.

Maxelast D01-011A version has been used in Solar Panel

Benefits of using the new TPE line for both indoor and outdoor applications include good weatherability, UV stability, long service life, weight reduction, reprocessability and recyclability. Another user benefit is the ease of processing coupled with the superior post-shaping and sealing characteristics of the material. 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.

When extruded or co-extruded into profiles, the new 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, new Maxelast D-Series TPEs can also be foamed to achieve a smooth surface or skin.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support elastomers executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. APS works with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout North America.

For more information on the new Maxelast® extrusion and co-extrusion D-Series TPE grades, contact: Marketing Department, Alliance Polymers & Services (APS), 30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400, Romulus, MI 48174. Tel: 734-710-6700. Fax: 734-710-6715. Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

BASF announces Elastollan® TPU price increase in North America

2011-07-13T12:21:00.001-07:00

WYANDOTTE, MI, July 12 2011 – BASF today announced that effective for shipments made on or after July 25, 2011, or as contracts allow, it will increase prices for Elastollan® TPU Products in North America.

Elastollan polyester grades will be increased by $.10 per pound and Elastollan polyether grades will be increased by $.24 per pound.

This price increase action is due to significantly higher raw material costs, and is necessary to ensure reliability of supply and the level of quality and service BASF customers expect.

About BASF Polyurethanes

BASF is the leading supplier of Polyurethane Solutions for systems, specialties and PU basic products. With its global network of 38 polyurethane system houses and its comprehensive product and service portfolio, BASF is the preferred partner of its customers in many industries.

The BASF brand “Polyurethane Solutions” represents over 40 years of experience of the market and technology leadership for Polyurethane Systems.

In the extremely service-oriented business of polyurethane systems and specialties, reliable PU experience and competence are crucial. Through its system house network, BASF provides fast local support, from technical service and sales to production and marketing during the development of customized solutions. With its world-scale plants, BASF secures its leading market position in the production of polyurethane basic products in all regions of the world.

Polyurethanes make life more comfortable, safer and more pleasant while helping to save energy sustainably. They contribute towards improved insulation of buildings and more attractive, lightweight design of cars. Producers of shoes, mattresses and household goods as well as sports equipment use the unique advantages of polyurethanes provided with the knowledge and expertise of the polyurethane experts of BASF world-wide. Further information is available on the internet at www.polyurethanes.basf.com.

BASF – The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,400 employees in North America, and had sales of $17.7 billion in 2010. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com or in the Social Media Newsroom at newsroom.basf.com.

Elastollan® is a registered trademark of BASF.

Reduce Cost with Maxelast® P2 Series of TPE's

2011-06-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS), the exclusive North American distributor of Maxelast® brand of TPEs used by leading products manufacturers*, has introduced their new line of thermoplastic elastomers to help designers and processors significantly reduce their TPE costs with low prices for less demanding applications.

“Rising prices across the board for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) prompted technicians at Maxelast to develop a series of low-cost grades that process, perform and look like more expensive grades,” says Ron Sheu, TPE Marketing Manager at APS. “They are ideally suited for designers and processors who don’t necessarily want or need the increasingly high prices for overmolding (onto PP) or stand-alone applications such as tool grips, pen grip and other stationery products, personal care items, and luggage handles.”

Maxelast® P2 Series of TPE Pen Grips

“As marketers and manufacturers continue to be squeezed by raising prices of engineering and specialty polymers,” continues the APS spokesman, “ the introduction of the Maxelast P2 line of TPEs, offered at up to 30% less than they currently are paying means they can either hold, or reduce, end product pricing to remain competitive. Maxelast has been able to achieve this pricing breakthrough by using the latest production efficiencies and keeping extra/not needed elements out of the formulations.”

Features and specifications of the new P2 low end Maxelast TPEs include good colorability, a Shore A hardness range of 20A to 90A, a tensile strength of 120 psi (ASTM D412) and a tear strength of 340 pli. APS can provide samples on request for molding trials and can ship small to large production runs of the TPE.

Polymax's TPE material complies with UL, VDE, FDA, RoHS and PAH's standards.

Nike, Adidas, Stanley, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Buick, and VW to name a few use Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomers. Find out why Maxelast® is North America’s newest and fastest-growing line of TPEs .

For samples, material specifications, pricing and deliveries, contact Ron Sheu at 734-710-6704 or sheu@apstpe.com

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE & TPU processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs. APS is destined to be your #1 TPE resource in North America. Visit our web site www.apstpe.com

Polymax® Maxelast® C4900 TPE, Transparent

2011-06-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Uses:

Consumer Products
Toys & Novelties
Auto Parts
Sporting Goods
Wire & Cable Electronics
Medical Devices
Plastic Toughening

Available Properties:

Specific Gravity
Linear Mold Shrinkage, Flow
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore C
Tensile Stress
Tensile Strength, Yield
Elongation at Break
Tear Strength

Polymax's TPE material complies with UL, VDE, FDA, RoHS and PAH's standards.

For samples, material specifications, pricing and deliveries, contact Ron Sheu at 734-710-6704 or sheu@apstpe.com

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE & TPU processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs. We are destined to be your #1 TPE resource in North America. Visit our web site www.apstpe.com

Maxelast® TPEs from Polymax

2011-06-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Polymax offers more than 500 standard and custom grades of thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS-based) sold under the Maxelast® trade name. They compete favorably with any TPE currently on the market, in quality, processability, availability, flexibility and price.

For more information on the new Maxelast® TPEs, contact:

Ron Sheu
Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400
Romulus, MI 48174
Tel: 734-710-6704
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sheu@apstpe.com

APS Now Offers Quality TPEs at Competitive Pricing!

2011-06-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Consider Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomer. Maxelast® TPE is now available from North American distributor and elastomers resource Alliance Polymers & Services (APS).

Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomers offer these advantages:

Maxelast Brochure

· Broad selection & custom formulas

· Proven performance and consistency

· Ease of processing

· Experienced technical support

· Competitive pricing

· Quick delivery

Buick, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Addidas, Nike and VW use Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomers. Find out why Maxelast® is North America’s newest and fastest-growing line of TPEs at www.apstpe.com/tpe.

For samples, specs, deliveries and schedules contact Ron Sheu at 734-710-6704.

APS – Destined to be your #1 TPE resource in North America.

Fitness Grips

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

Tool Grips

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS)

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

734-710-6700

Email: info@apstpe.com

Visit our web site www.apstpe.com

NEWS FROM APS, NORTH AMERICA’S EXCLUSIVE TPE DISTRIBUTOR AND TECH SERVICE SUPPLIER

2011-06-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Introducing Maxelast TPEs

For the first time, TPE users in North America can now obtain renowned Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS) that have taken the industry by storm. They are used extensively in the Far East by leading American, European and Asian manufacturers such as, Buick, Nike, Nokia, Panasonic, VW, Samsung and dozens of other leading industrial and consumer products companies. Maxelast TPEs are manufactured by Polymax and distributed exclusively in North America by APS. APS is the #1 TPE technical resource in the US and Canada.

Available for samples and immediate delivery, Maxelast standard grades comprise 7 families of quality TPEs that are comparable or exceed any TPE you are using. Maxelast can be shipped from either our Detroit-based warehouse or any one of our other storage locations throughout the continent; and backed by our nationwide team of trained technical experts.

For a brochure on this exciting new TPE line, give us a call or go to our website at www.apstpe.com and print out a copy.

Ron Sheu Joins APS

Ron Sheu, the TPE “guru” with BASF for the past decade, has joined APS to spearhead the Maxelast effort in North America. His impressive biography can be found on our website.

Ron Sheu

Sheu notes, “This new TPE families were developed to aggressively compete with major lines of leading international competitors. What sets Maxelast TPEs apart is their competitive price and excellent performance. As such, designers, OEM markets and products now have a viable volume producer for small and large orders. We challenge the industry to take a look at us to see the advantages we are giving them on pricing, delivery, range of formulations and technical backup.”

New TPU Offerings in New Products

Flextrax

The APS line of Elastollan® TPUs from BASF can be found in two new applications. Snow, ice, mud and sand tire chains made out of rugged thermoplastic polyurethane! Skeptical? You shouldn’t be. Advanced Traction Systems (www.flextrax.com) have driven the chains over 300 miles on dry pavement without showing any wear. Try that with metal chains!

Nanoflex Horseshoes

Another recent application is a line of horseshoes from fast-growing Florida firm Nanoflex. For the first time, owing to APS expertise and the formulators at BASF, shoes for horses no longer need to be metal. Read about this exciting new application at www.nanoflexinc.com.

We’re going to NPE!

North America’s big plastics show (NPE) is coming in 2012 to Orlando, Florida. We’ve signed up to be a major exhibitor in the TPE Pavilion at this show. We’d like to highlight your TPE product at our booth. If you have something you want to submit as an entry, or have a new TPE product coming along, let us know.

Did You Know?

1. In only our second year in business, we remain the ONLY elastomers distributor to focus exclusively on TPEs. All types of TPEs too. Just ask and we’ll find you, or make for you, the TPE that is ideally suited for your new or existing product needs. We’re grateful to the industry for their support of our recent growth in people, products, technical service and yes, customer service. We want your business, large or small and work hard not just to get it, but to keep it.

twin screw

2. In 2009 we announced to the industry APS would be getting into the compounding business, to either formulate or tweak a given TPE compound so customers could get the EXACT material they needed. We’re targeting sometime this year to be up and running.

ALLIANCE POLYMERS & SERVICES (APS) OFFERS NEW MAXELAST TPE GRADE FOR OVERMOLDING

2011-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS), the exclusive North American distributor for Maxelast® TPEs (thermoplastic elastomers) used by some of the world’s leading manufacturers, is now offering the new, soft A-Series for overmolding applications. Processors can now mold products at lower temperatures and injection pressures than with competitive products.

With a wide Shore A hardness range from 10 to 85 A, the new styrenic A-Series of Maxelast TPEs can be successfully overmolded onto PC, APS, PC/ABS or copolyester substrates. The new A-Series of TPEs is well suited for use in products that include tools (power and hand), personal care items, computers, consumer electronics, game controls, toys and auto parts.

The benefits of molding with the A-Series of Maxelast TPEs include a soft, flexible feel with excellent grip characteristics, good compression set, easy to process and color and available translucent and clear grades. In addition, the new TPEs provide an attractive appearance and resist scratching.

Maxelast TPEs are used by some of the world’s leading companies, among them VW, Buick, Honda, Stanley Tools, Samsung, Panasonic, Nike, Puma and Adidas.

APS offers elastomer materials in quantities large and small (from truckloads down to drums and bags).

For more information on Maxelast®TPEs for overmolding as well as other grades for conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS)
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,
Romulus, MI 48174
734-710-6700
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Stephane Morin Was Part of the Team That Created Better-Breathing Running Shoes

2011-05-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

A remarkable combination of chemistry and engineering is giving the feet of running enthusiasts a welcome breather, thanks to BASF.

Together with shoe designers, BASF’s Elastogran subsidiary developed an innovative ventilation system that allows fresh air to circulate through a shoe.

“These new running shoes breathe easier because of Elastollan, an innovative BASF thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer,” says Stephane Morin, Former Senior Market Development Specialist at BASF. “Elastollan works by creating special openings in the sides, toes, heels, and soles that allow fresh air into the shoes exactly where it is needed, thereby creating a cooling effect. In fact, this technology delivers a 20 percent reduction in heat generation, and that means greater comfort for runners.”

Stephane Morin

This new breathable-shoe technology is used by adidas in its ClimaCool™ line of athletic shoes. Other well-known makers of sports shoes such as Reebok and Nike are also using Elastollan TPUs to help make their shoes more durable, ergonomic, and comfortable.

While the sports shoes are setting a new standard for “cool running,” Morin believes the plastics-based BASF innovation will find its way into other kinds of footware. “The integration of innovative chemistry and advanced design that makes athletic shoes better will help improve shoes across the board. And you don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate cooler and more comfortable shoes.”

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact Stephane Morin:

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS)
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,
Romulus, MI 48174
734-710-6703
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: morin@apstpe.com

TPUs Improve Horseshoes!

2011-05-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

To borrow a word or phrase from an advertisement by a leading shoe insole manufacturer, more and more lucky horses worldwide can expect to be “gellin” thanks to a small, but innovative Ft. Lauderdale, FL firm.

Former horse trainer and entrepreneur John Filipelli came to the realization early in his career that horses run better without shoes. But allowing them to be ridden, much less race, without shoes, wasn’t the solution, either from a practical much less a humane perspective. Hooves are comprised of hair, and need to be protected, and of course, that’s why man has been shoeing horses for centuries, with metal shoes. No other material has been found to be better. Until now, that is.

Here’s What Happened and Why

Many years ago, Filipelli was challenged by an owner to cure a horse that would go off stride. He had to do this within 30 days or forfeit his fees. No matter what he tried, nothing worked, until he removed the horseshoes. Then the horse quickly went back on stride.

Filipelli’s quest for a solution and an alternative to the old fashioned metal horseshoe. The result is that today, Filipelli is the Founder and President of Nanoflex, Inc., a firm that has horse owners and stables from around the globe clamoring for his solution with the “gellin” horseshoe. His firm has patented and now produces and sells one-size-fits all horseshoes made from a special polyurethane polymer sold by Alliance Polymers & Services LLC (APS), North America’s largest distributor and technical resource of BASF’s Elastollan® brand of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) used by Nanoflex.

“My first attempt,” recalls Filipelli, “was to develop a polymer boot, not a horseshoe. Polymers at that time deemed possibly suitable for a horseshoe didn’t fit the bill in terms of processability, flexibility, durability and the basic ability to be affixed to a hoof, and stay on. The boot didn’t work and it was fortuitous,” he continues, “that I hooked up with Roger Huarng, a former BASF technical materials expert and now a Principal with APS, the Continent’s only TPE-exclusive (thermoplastic elastomer exclusive) distributor and technical support firm for the various lines of soft elastomers.” He is quick to add that concessions and help by Huarng and the TPU supplier have added to the firm’s budding success.

Solution Found

Together, the two agreed on a proprietary grade of polyurethane that had all the attributes required for the application – consistency and uniform density across the shoe, toughness, durability, a certain level of flexibility or cushioning and at a cost comparable to a metal horseshoe. The equestrian products are made entirely of polyurethane based on nanotechnology, no metal.

Added benefits, the two found after the ideal formulation was obtained, a mold built and a custom injection molder was found, included:

1) The new Nanoflex shoes can be applied in either traditional way – with nails, or with Equalox or Vettec, popular adhesives used for securing horseshoes.

2) The horseshoes stay on longer than traditional metal shoes. The durability of the polyurethane is comparable to aluminum horseshoes.

3) One size, when trimmed, fits any horse.

4) Pricing is comparable to metal shoes.

5) And, the polymer shoes are reversible which can give even longer life.

Filipelli chuckles when he lists this additional possible benefit – polyurethane horseshoes can be injection molded in any custom color desired.

Slower Than Expected to Catch On, But There’s Great Potential

Centuries of using metal horseshoes have made customer slightly hesitant to give the Nanoflex breakthrough a try, but Filipelli and his associates see the tide turning. “With only our budding marketing efforts and our putting our limited resources into R & D and production,” says Filipelli, “we’re getting serious inquiries from around the globe, a lot by word of mouth generated. Both individuals and firms in Europe and Australia have been particularly eager to try out the Nanoflex products, and report great results back to us. Our approach has been that, if anyone promises to shoe a horse with our products, we’ll send them a free pair. This has worked remarkably well.” At the present time, Filipelli is looking to build his network of distributors, dealers and retailers around the world.

Research Backs Up Claims, Growing Use

In steps to both verify product claims and industry skepticism, the company conducts ongoing research to verify that polymer horseshoes are viable alternatives. Among the results are lameness prevention, increased circulation, improved traction, increased comfort, an improved gait and faster running speeds.

The firm has developed the following chart to make other comparisons and show other benefits.

For more information on the new polymer horseshoe, contact: Marketing Department, Nanoflex, Inc., 30321-1/2 NW Court, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. Tel: 877-815-6337. Web: www.nanoflexinc.com. Email: johnfilipelli@hotmail.com.

For more information on TPUs used in this application or for other standard or custom TPU applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC (APS)
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400
Romulus, MI 48174
Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715
Web: www.apstpe.com Email: sales@apstpe.com

Alliance Polymers & Services @ ChinaPlas 2011

2011-05-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ron Sheu and Roger Huarng are attending ChinaPlas: The 25th International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries in Guangzhou, PR China, May 17-20, 2011.

Growing up together with China's plastics and rubber industries in the last 26 years, the promotional slogan of CHINAPLAS - "The Growth Engine for Your Industries" - the show's mission is to continue to bring plenty of solutions for various user enterprises by showcasing the most innovative and advanced plastics and rubber machinery and raw materials in the coming future.

Ron Sheu,APS; Sven Riechers, 3C Team Leader BASF; Martin Lu, Polymax @ChinaPlas 2011

More than 80,000 visitors from 35 countries are expected to participate in ChinaPlas. Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) travels all over the world to learn about the latest innovations in the plastics industry.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

Roger Huarng,APS; Ralph Shi,PolyOne; Ron Sheu,APS

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping thermoplastic elastomers (TPE),thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,
Romulus, MI 48174
734-710-6700Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

ANTEC Boston, May 2-4-2011

2011-05-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

Call Roger Huarng on his cell phone (734-558-2540) to arrange a meeting to discuss your Elastomer part design needs while in Boston during ANTEC 2011, May 2-4.

ANTEC 2011 Conference

Boston, Massachusetts

May 1-5, 2011

A New Technology Forum at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) ANTEC 2011 conference will explore plastics innovations with potential to advance the state of the art in thin-film photovoltaic systems and reflective films for solar concentrator applications.

ANTEC 2011 will take place May 1-5 in Boston. The New Technology Forum, titled Polymers in Solar and Flexible Films, will be a half-day symposium starting at 1:30 pm on Monday, May 2, 2011. It will be concurrent with other technical sessions at the ANTEC conference.

A detailed agenda for the symposium is posted at http://www.4spe.org/antec-2011-new-technology-forums .

SPE-ANTEC (Annual Technical Conference), sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers, is the leading technical forum on cutting-edge technology and information pertinent to the needs of the plastics industry. Hundreds of peer-reviewed technical papers provide plastics professionals unique inside access to proprietary research and findings.

Visit the Society of Plastics Engineers at www.antec.ws

Adidas, Panasonic, Honda and VW Use Maxelast®TPEs!

2011-04-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

You should, too! Contact us for limited time special offers.

APS is the exclusive distributor in North America for this line of TPEs from Polymax Elastomer Technology, Nantong, China.

The Maxelast® line is offered to aggressively compete with major lines of leading international competitors on both price and performance, giving designers and OEM marketers and producers a viable alternative with the added benefits of high quality and easy-to-process TPEs.

Maxelast® TPEs are manufactured by a team comprised of a former technical director of a major U.S. TPE producer, and company principals with degrees earned and experience obtained in the U.S.

Maxelast® TPEs are used in products from leading automotive, sporting goods, power tool, wire and cable and medical firms, among others. We challenge you to take a look at us to see the advantages we can give you on pricing, delivery, range of formulations and technical backup.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on the new Maxelast TPEs or to receive a 12 page, colorful brochure with in-depth details on Polymax, the product line, applications for the Maxelast® TPEs and other data contact::

Ron Sheu
Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400
Romulus, MI 48174
Tel: 734-710-6704
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sheu@apstpe.com

Make APS your thermoplastic elastomers resource!

2011-04-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) has been recognized by the nation's leading plastics journals as the first of a new wave of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) resource options for polymers and services -- an independent firm dedicated to product availability and suitability, backed by quality technical service, no matter what your size.

We are pleased to provide our customers with:

A full line of thermoplastic elastomers for your every need
Grades for injection molding, extruding, blow molding, thermoforming and other processes
Technical advice on selecting the best elastomer for your needs
Beside-the-press tweaking to find the right compound that: - Processes best - Produces the least scrap - Offers the best short and long term value
Capabilities to inventory elastomers for you
Deliveries from stock fast turnaround on pricing and availability
Assistance to help you develop material applications
Technical support and testing services
R & D
Discounts on large orders
Quick deliveries
Fast and easy order placement

Further, we can help you:

Develop products to enhance existing products
Evaluate and rectify deficiencies in a material's performance
Conceptualize, develop and commercialize your elastomer-based products
Perform failure analysis on elastomer-based products
Improve products
Find better materials
Find new applications

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,
Romulus, MI 48174
734-710-6700Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Halogen-Free, Flame Retardant TPEs for Consumer Electronics and Industrial Power Cords and Cables

2011-04-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services,(APS), North America’s fastest-growing distributor of and technical support resource for elastomers, has introduced a new line of halogen-free, flame retardant (HFFR) TPEs (styrenic block copolymer thermoplastic elastomer) for consumer and industrial electronic power cords and auxiliary cables.

Specific applications for the new Maxelast® FH7990U series of TPEs include power plugs, charger cables, electronic power cords, auxiliary cables and ribbon wire. They are offered as halogen-free and phthalate-free alternatives to flexible PVC (vinyl). They are easy to process and have good surface quality.

The new grades are offered in a variety of hardnesses, from Shore A 60 to Shore A 96 and comply with RoHS, PAHs and NP (neophenol) standards and conform to UL ratings of 1581 (charger cables) and 94 (power plugs) depending on the grade.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping thermoplastic elastomers (TPE),thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

734-710-6700

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Jim Pica Named APS Midwest Sales Manager

2011-03-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC, (APS) has named James A. Pica of Akron, OH as the firm’s Midwest sales manager. APS is one of the North America’s fastest-growing elastomers distributors.

Jim is responsible for sales, customer technical support and market development in the Midwest territory.

Jim Pica, APS Midwest Sales Manager

A graduate of Ohio State University, Pica has spent his entire career in sales and technical support roles in the plastics and packaging industries. Among the companies for which he has worked include Radici Plastics, Graco Ohio and Poly-Chem Marketing.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping thermoplastic elastomers (TPE),thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

734-710-6700

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

How Much Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Do You Need?

2011-03-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Whether working on a large project or a small sample, APS can ship whatever amount you need from 25kg bags, 100-125kg drums, or 500-600kg boxes. No order is too big or too small.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) can supply thermoplastic polyurethanes from BASF and styrenic block copolymers from Polymax in drums, boxes or bags — in most cases, within 24 hours.

100-125 KG Drums

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

734-710-6700

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

APS - The Source for Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE's)

2011-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on the new Maxelast TPEs, contact:

Ron Sheu
Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400
Romulus, MI 48174
Tel: 734-710-6704
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sheu@apstpe.com

New Maxelast® Brochure

2011-03-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

The full, 7-family line of Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), recently introduced to North American and European audiences, is now highlighted in a new brochure from Alliance Polymers & Services. APS is the exclusive distributor in North America for this line of TPEs from Polymax Elastomer Technology, Nantong, China.

The Maxelast® line is offered to aggressively compete with most major lines of leading international competitors on both a price and performance basis, giving designers and OEM marketers and producers a viable alternative with the added benefits of high quality and easy-to-process TPEs. The Maxelast® TPEs are manufactured by a team comprised of a former technical director of a major U.S. TPE producer, and company principals with degrees earned and experience obtained in the U.S.

According to the Principal at Alliance Polymers & Services responsible for the sale and technical backup for Maxelast® TPEs, Ron Sheu, “The down loadable brochure provides the rationale through benefits and applications why designers and OEMs using TPEs might look into this new line.

Maxelast® Brochure

In markets outside the U.S. and Canada, Maxelast® TPEs are used in products from leading automotive, sporting goods, power tool, wire and cable and medical firms, among others. We challenge them to take a look at us to see the advantages we can give them on pricing, delivery, range of formulations and technical backup.”

The 12 page, colorful brochure gives in-depth details on Polymax, the product line, applications for the Maxelast® TPEs and other data needed to interest potential customers to contact Alliance Polymers & Services. Since the founding of APS just over a year ago, the firm has become a leading, and the fastest-growing technical elastomers sales firm in North America, growing at a double digit rate each month.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on the new Maxelast TPEs, contact:

Ron Sheu
Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400
Romulus, MI 48174
Tel: 734-710-6704
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sheu@apstpe.com

Maxelast® P3800 Series Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)

2011-03-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

North America’s newest lines of TPEs, Maxelast® thermoplastic elastomers from Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) have been expanded to include two new formulations targeted for gaskets and seals. They are offered as alternatives to thermoset rubber and TPVs and feature superior sealing performance at high temperatures (up to 212F / 100C).

The new lines of Maxelast® P3800 series of styrenic TPEs can be injection molded, extruded, co-extruded or co-molded. In addition to offering superior sealing performance at high temperatures, the new TPEs enable designers additional design parameters for applications including automotive/recreational, pipe, plumbing, appliance and packaging products as well as building materials and construction products. Special properties also enable gaskets and seals to be used in water treatment and chemical handling products. The new TPE lines are recyclable, have low compression set, exhibit excellent processability and colorability, have good chemical resistance, and offer better operational efficiency.

Additional features of the new Maxelast TPEs, when compared to TPVs, include longer-term sealing performance as well as superior elongation, tear strength and tensile strength. As compared to black thermoset rubber, the new grades can be molded more quickly, and in a variety of colors.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger J. Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in cities and markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on the new Maxelast P3800 Series TPEs for gasket and seal applications, contact:

Ron Sheu
Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400
Romulus, MI 48174
Tel: 734-710-6704
Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sheu@apstpe.com

Fun and Games With Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU)

2011-03-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

Sports and recreation are more than just fun and games for manufacturers. They need a TPU that can impart a wide range of different qualities to their different products. BASF’s versatile Elastollan^® can meet the challenge. Strong yet flexible, with ideal characteristics for both extrusion and injection molding, products made from Elastollan^® 1100 series can be found everywhere from the golf course to the ski slope.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

734-710-6700

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to helping elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS Supports Michigan Firefighters

2011-03-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Just as Alliance Polymers & Services' (APS) support helps protect Michigan Firefighters, so does BASF's Elastollan ^® products.

Elastollan^® C85A exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and toughness, good hydrolytic stability, good heat, oil, fuel and solvent resistance. It has excellent damping characteristics and outstanding resistance to tear propagation. Elastollan^® C85A is rated UL-94 HB in vertical flame test for wall thicknesses of 0.9 and 3.0 mm. Elastollan^® C85A is supplied uncolored in diced or pelletized form. Properties of sheet or film samples of this product are available upon request.

When used to manufacture fire hoses, Elastollan^® 1100 Series offers a high burst pressure and excellent hydrolytic stability, along with certification from NSF.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700
Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Why Elastollan®?

2011-03-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Among all producers of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), only BASF, the world's largest chemical company, makes Elastollan®.

BASF has been setting the benchmark for TPU quality and innovative formulations for more than 30 years. During this time, they've developed a well-deserved reputation for providing consistently excellent products and robust technical and customer service.

BASF has formulated Elastollan® to excel in all standard measures of TPU performance. Elastollan's® unique physical qualities include the following:

It offers increased elastic memory, hydrolytic stability, tear/cut resistance and abrasion resistance, as well as high burst pressure.
It's naturally anti-blocking and allows for a fast processing cycle.
It requires little to no internal lubricant.

In addition, Elastollan® is available in a wide range of formulations and hardness (from 50 A to 74 D),
as well as in both polyester- and polyether-based forms.

Polyester-based Elastollan® typically provides:

Oil/solvent resistance
Weather (UV) resistance
Abrasion resistance
High-temperature resistance
Particularly excellent mechanical properties
Plasticizer-free, super-soft grades available

Polyether-based Elastollan® typically offers:

Clarity

Excellent hydrolytic stability

Low-temperature flexibility

Microbial resistance

Resistance to weak acids/bases

Aliphatic-based Elastollan® typically supplies:

Clarity

Color and UV stability

Excellent hydrolytic stability

When you select Elastollan®, you get more than just a superior product. You also get the full backing of BASF, the largest chemical company in the world.

Our highly trained, multitalented professionals have extensive technical/product-development skills and processing experience in the TPU industry, so they can provide you with expert customer service. This includes assistance with applications, product selection, processing equipment recommendations, on-site support and more.

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700
Fax: 734-710-6715.

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

TIME's Best Inventions of 2010

2011-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

Plastics Shine in TIME'S 50 Best Inventions of 2010

2011-03-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

TIME magazine recently released its 50 Best Inventions of 2010 list, and – no surprise - many of the inventions are plastics-based. In addition to the well-publicized plastic bottle boat (which employed recycled bottles and a recycled PET material called Seretex), several others on TIME’s list – from the iPad to new, improved 3-D glasses – make use of polymer technology in an essential way.

For more information on the how APS can help make TPEs and TPUs shine for your conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715.

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS), in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to providing TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

Benefits of Plastics

2011-03-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Look around you as you go through your day and notice the myriad ways plastics play an important role in your life. Plastics' versatility contributes to our transportation, safety, security, health, shelter, communication, entertainment and the innovations of our industries.

For more information on the benefits of TPEs and TPUs for conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

SPI: The Plastics Industries Trade Association Helps Earthquake Victims

2011-03-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand on Tuesday, February 22, toppled buildings, buckled streets, and caused hundreds of deaths. The Christchurch community needs our industry’s help. Our colleagues in New Zealand have appealed to the U.S. plastics industry for a very critical, specific need: portable toilets.

The public sewage system in the impacted area may not be operable for more than a year. This is a dire sanitation problem that will quickly become a public health crisis if we do not offer assistance.

Manufactured largely from polyethylene, portable toilets are a specific need that our industry is uniquely qualified to meet.

Here’s How You Can Help

The plastics and chemical industries have lent a generous hand with both monetary contributions and in-kind donations of the supplies that plastics companies manufacture: bottled water, water purification chemicals and kits, PVC pipe to rebuild water and sanitation systems, water storage containers and other building supplies, personal care products, medical supplies and even prosthetic limbs to victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, 2004 tsunami and earthquakes in Asia Pacific, as well as victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The Christchurch earthquake is no different and SPI is spearheading an industry-wide effort to produce and ship 2,500 portable toilets to New Zealand. While one portable toilet manufacturer has already graciously offered to manufacture and ship 50 units at no cost, the rest of the industry needs to help fund the overall effort. Bill Carteux is appealing to fellow SPI members to raise the $1.5 million – in both cash donations and in-kind contributions of resin and colorant. 100% of your donation will be used directly for this effort’s production and shipment costs only.

Act Now: Quick, Easy Ways to Participate

http://www.plasticsfoundation.org/?zbrandid=3002&zidType=CH&zid=4605846&zsubscriberId=766762539&zbdom=http://socplas.informz.net

Please click the "Donate" button to securely make a donation using a credit card. If you wish to make a cash or in-kind donation directly without going through the website, please call Susan Douglas, at 202.974.5224 or email her at sdouglas@plasticsindustry.org.

Thank you for supporting the plastics industry and the people of New Zealand in this humanitarian effort.

Maxelast® Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPE)

2011-02-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are a unique class of polymer materials which combine the elastomer properties of thermoset rubbers with the processing efficiency of plastics. TPEs are high performance and versatile materials, either used on their own or overmolded to provide tactile or functional features on components molded from other polymers such as PP, PE, ABS, PC, SMMA, POM, and Nylon.

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) offers a complete line of Maxelast^® TPEs engineered to be easily fabricated by injection molding, extrusion, coating, and blow molding. Maxelast^® TPEs provides designers and end-users numerous alternatives to natural rubber and thermosetting rubbers by offering design flexibility and cost-reduction opportunities.

Features of Maxelast^® TPEs:

• Soft, flexible feel

• Excellent grip characteristics

• Overmolding over various plastics

• Good compression set

• Low specific gravity

• Easy to process and color

• Extrusion, injection and blow moldable

• Translucent and clear grades available

• Flame retardant grades

• FDA compliant and medical grades available

Applications of Maxelast^® TPEs:

• Appliances

• Wire & Cable

• Automotive

• Medical Device

• Electrical & Electronics

• Soft Touch & Ergonomics

• Sporting Goods

• Building & Construction

• Footwear & Foot Care

• Toys

• Writing Instruments

• Consumer and Industrial Sealing

• Packaging

Many of Maxelast^® TPEs products also meet or exceed applicable requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL); the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); as well as specifications set out by other governmental, regulatory, industrial agencies plus automotive OEMs.

For more information on TPEs for conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Horsing Around with Plastics

2011-02-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Horses are beautiful animals. Like all animals they have feelings and suffer pain. For over 1,000 years, only metal horseshoes have been used to protect their hooves. Metal shoes cause shock and vibration from the hoof through the knee and hock. Nanoflex horseshoes are designed with comfort and lameness prevention in mind.

There is zero shock or vibration using Nanoflex horseshoes. Compare Olympic athletes who have less than 5% lameness, and compare the shoes they use, you should understand why horses stay sounder, jump higher, and run faster using the sneaker-like NanoFlex horseshoes.

Since the Romans, horses have been shod using metal shoes. These shoes, while sufficient for the times, now are antique and borderline barbaric. The steel or aluminum horseshoes used today do not flex! The NanoFlex horseshoe was designed with the comfort and lameness prevention of the horse in mind. NanoFlex horseshoes are made with a space-age polymer (BASF Elastollan® S90A55) combined with nanotechnology to move and expand in every direction as the hoof, relieving the shock from the thousands of pounds of pressure of each step taken by the horse. This revolutionary new construction and design of horseshoes create a flexible shoe with long lasting wear.

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPV, TPE-S, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

In the Spring of 2011,the new APS Compounding operation will be able to create and offer specialized TPE formulations for customers throughout North America.

For more information on conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700
Fax: 734-710-6715.

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

Alliance Polymers & Services Announces Founding of APS Compounding

2011-02-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) officials announce the founding of APS Compounding along with the purchase of two twin screw extruders. The move will enable APS Compounding to streamline existing TPE compounds to better accommodate customer needs, provide specialized samples, and develop new grades for specific applications.

This news coincided with the announcement that Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) will represent the line of Polymax Maxelast® TPEs on the North American continent. APS is a leading distributor of BASF Elastollan® TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethanes) and Polymax Maxelast® TPEs (SBC-based thermoplastic elastomers).

According to APS Principal Stephane Morin, speaking from the firm’s Romulus, MI headquarters, “We saw a need early on to not only offer standard and custom grades of thermoplastic elastomers from our two great suppliers, but the need to offer additional services to provide specific small and large volume custom compounds and beside-the-press tweaking. Our goal from the start has been to help customers meet their specific, and sometimes novel, TPE needs. The addition of two full extrusion lines will enable us to do just this.”

“We must point out,” continues Morin, “that the new APS Compounding will complement, not compete with, our existing TPE product distribution lines.”

Plans call for the first extrusion line to be operational by the Spring of 2011. A second extrusion line is scheduled to go on-stream shortly thereafter. Both twin screw extruders will give customers of APS Compounding access to small and large volumes of custom formulated TPEs.

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPV, TPE-S, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs. The new APS Compounding operation will be able to create and offer specialized TPE formulations for customers throughout North America.

For more information on the new TPE compounding services, contact:

Alliance Compounding

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700. Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

Eric Elsner Joins Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) as West Coast Regional Sales Manager

2011-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS), a leading distributor of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), continues to add to its team of elastomer technical service specialists by appointing Eric R. Elsner as West Coast Regional Sales Manager. Eric will provide commercial and technical support to companies located in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Eric Elsner earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University in Industrial Technology, with emphasis on plastics technology. The qualifications, expertise and experience he brings to APS include more than a decade with leading distribution firms including M. Holland Company, Ashland Distribution and PolyOne Distribution (formerly M.A. Hanna Resin Distribution).

Among Eric Elsner’s responsibilities in his new position with APS will be inventory management, margins, forecasts and general technical support. He has particularly strong skills, according to company sources, in providing value-added problem-solving and solutions as well as analyzing business trends to maximize volume and revenue.

Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS), in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, and technical service organization dedicated to providing TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. APS currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

For more information on TPEs for conventional, unique or highly durable applications, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400,

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700. Fax: 734-710-6715.

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com

GoClaws®

2011-02-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

Patented GoClaws® made from a high grade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) from Advanced Traction Systems, Inc. (www.flextrax.com) are now being endorsed by Alliance Polymers & Services (APS). APS is the primary materials supplier and technical molding resource for the manufacture of GoClaws® and other related Advanced Traction Systems (ATS) company products.

The new injection molded plastic product is taking municipal, fire, police, ambulance, as well as private owners and operators, off-road enthusiasts, car and truck fleet companies, by storm. GoClaws® tire chains are extremely durable. The patented product is easy to install and works extremely well in snow, ice , mud and sand. In recent tests by ATS, even after being driven on snow-covered and dry pavement more than 300 miles, the plastic tire chains continued to perform and showed little, if any, signs of wear.

Developed as a viable alternative to conventional, fast-wearing, noisy and difficult-to-install metal chains, GoClaws® are the result of many years of design and development based on proven techniques of mechanical engineering, physics, material selection, advanced plastics molding and hydraulics. Materials supplier Alliance Polymers & Services, a formidable TPE supplier, saw the potential of GoClaws®and invested heavily in the company in terms of providing material samples, beside-the-press advice and formulations, cost breaks on materials, and extensive technical support.

GoClaws® and other vehicular traction products are designed and manufactured by Advanced Traction Systems, Inc., Cleveland, TN. Other company traction products are sold under the names Flex-Trax®, Snoboots® and SnoClaws®. Features and benefits of the products include: snow or mud tires only when a user needs them; easy installation; no tools required; can be installed even when the vehicle is stuck; works in snow, ice, mud and sand; self-cleaning; self-tracking; easy on tires, wheels and the pavement; tough enough to be driven on dry pavement; lightweight; will not rust; durable; and competitively priced.

Alliance Polymers and Advanced Traction Systems proudly note that some of the most prominent distribution and retail outlets are testing and selling the new products. A large portion of the success of the design is attributed to the high quality and unique durability of the thermoplastic polyurethane, a proprietary polymer which is distributed nationally by Alliance Polymers & Services.

Alliance Polymers & Services in Romulus, MI, is a full service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPE, TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs. The firm currently markets and supports Polymax Maxelast® TPEs and BASF Elastollan® TPUs.

APS is owned and operated by three of the industry’s leading marketing and technical support executives, Roger Huarng, Stephane Morin and Ron Sheu, formerly with BASF Corporation. They work with a series of independent technical agents located in markets throughout the North American Continent.

For more information on TPEs for conventional, unique or highly durable applications contact:
Alliance Polymers & Services LLC,
30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400, Romulus, MI 48174.
Tel: 734-710-6700.
Web: www.apstpe.com.
Email: sales@apstpe.com

For more information on the line of traction products contact:
Advanced Traction Systems, Inc.
2765 Michigan Avenue Road NE, Cleveland, TN 37312
Tel: 1-800-788-9912 Fax: 1-800-788-9217
www.YouTube.com/user/nopieinthesky.

Web: www.flextrax.com. Email: tbright@flextrax.com

Elastollan® Product Range

2011-02-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

With top quality products, a reputation for good customer service and continuous progress and development, Elastollan® has secured a firm position in numerous markets. Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) would like to share our know-how and experience to contribute to your own success: The versatile Elastollan® is the ideal material to fulfill your requirements.

Elastollan Product Range | Informous Plastics

For more information on products and services, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700
Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

2011-02-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Thermoplastic Polyurethanes - Versatile and Durable for Today's and Tomorrow's Products

By Roger Huarng and Stephane Morin, Alliance Polymers and Services

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) can be found just about anywhere, filling the void between flexible rubber and rigid plastic or simply serving as a replacement for other materials. Applications are limitless because TPUs are known for their extremely high wear resistance, good compression set, excellent tear strength, high elasticity, high transparency, great low temperature performance, durable environmental resistance and excellent processability. Combine this with their resistance to water and high temperatures, oils and grease while maintaining superior mechanical property performance, TPUs should be on everyone’s list who involved with product design, production and marketing. TPUs are a material that can add value and appeal.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes are not only the most versatile of any group of plastics, but they also offer the widest variety of technology platforms with their ability to be formulated into an infinite number of variations in chemistry and structure (stiffness, hardness and densities) to meet the most challenging needs of a particular application. And they are phthalate free. Of special note is that most polymerization of TPUs is done by the customer, not the chemical manufacturer, thus giving the processor broad control over the finished product.

By way of background, thermoplastic polyurethanes, part of a larger group of elastomers called thermoplastic elastomers or TPEs, were developed in the early part of the 20th century. They didn’t go fully commercial until the 1950’s, but are noted to be the first major elastomers to be processed by thermoplastic processing methods. Today, they are broken down into two types: 1) polyester-based TPUs, derived from adipic acid esters for applications requiring high abrasion resistance, excellent mechanical properties and 2) polyether-based TPUs for applications calling for good mechanical properties, excellent low temperature flexibility and great hydrolysis resistance.

Applications Abound Because TPUs Offer Great Features and Benefits
Generally applications include all types of consumer and industrial products (where a soft, grippy surface and rubbery, colorful or clear finish is desired) to seals and gaskets, appliances, transportation (automotive, truck, recreational vehicles), medical products, furnishings, inflatables, marine and agricultural equipment, military equipment, electronics and building and construction products, plus coatings and adhesives, among others.

There’s good reason for the popularity of thermoplastic polyurethanes. Depending upon the grade selected, they offer designers, processors and marketers a slew of benefits and features because they are:

Tough and durable, unparalleled with their abrasion resistance
Well suited for both soft and rigid applications
Offer good color stability with UV additives
Formulated for applications calling for good-to-excellent transparency
Recyclable
Resistant to oil, grease, fuel, solvents and chemicals
Cut and tear resistant
Offer low temperature flexibility and fatigue resistance
Resistant to creep in load bearing applications
Available in halogen and non-halogen (fire retardant) grades
Depending on the grade, capable of being injection molded, extruded, blow molded, calendared, slush molded or thermoformed
Readily available in a variety of hardnesses, ranging from 50 Shore A to 85 Shore D
Fungus and microbial resistant, especially polyether TPUs
Good for applications calling for ultrasound transparency
Suited for both soft and rigid applications
Light weight (especially as a metals replacement)
Provided with good elasticity qualities
Hydrolytically stable and naturally antimicrobial (polyether TPUs)
Assured to provide good color stability with UV additives
Capable of offering excellent adhesion strength to many different substrates in overmolding soft-touch applications

Consider Designing TPUs Into Your Products, or Adding Them to Existing Ones
Polyurethanes move quickly to the top of any preferred materials list of a designer, processor or manufacturer when the goals are, among other things, toughness/tensile strength, good aesthetics, appealing hand feel (hapstic), abrasion resistance and low-temp flexibility. Add to this other beneficial physical properties which include good impact resistance and tear strength, plus a wide selection of hardnesses.

In recent years, new thermoplastic polyurethane offerings coming onto the market have pushed the performance envelope – these are non-plasticized soft TPUs, low density TPU foams for products like shoe soles and cable, high heat TPUs for wire and cable applications, TPUs with a low coefficient of friction and new formulations to compete with flexible PVC, PP (polypropylene) and polyester in elastic nonwovens.

Newer, non-plasticized, soft TPUs with special polyester chemistry, crystallize quickly (for short molding cycles and for facilitating thin-wall extrusion), yet have the same molding characteristics as plasticized TPUs with the same hardness (60 to 75 Shore A). The difference is there is no gradual increase in hardness with time, particularly useful in overmolding applications. Current products applications include bearing dust covers and seals and mounting-plate rings, where requirements call for pressure deformation resistance, ball joint seals and numerous other applications.

The inherent tacky nature of soft TPUs has seen the development of special grades that don’t require typical additives in order to reduce or eliminate tackiness. They feature a lower coefficient of friction while maintaining transparency. These new offerings have a coefficient of friction about 90% lower than previous grades, and offer a wider procession window in blow molding and sheet extrusion processing. Since tackiness is eliminated without lubricants, waxes or inorganic fillers, the potential for blooming or adverse affects on performance, transparency, surface roughness or adhesion on the end product is eliminated.

Recent developments in light TPU foams, with density as much as 60% less than previous TPUs, open new doors for improving existing applications in cable jacketing, tubing, profiles and sheet.

New grades of both polyester- and polyether-based formulations that boost performance have come onto the scene, offering high elasticity as well as high strength along with good sealing capabilities. The primary advantages of these new TPUs over non-elastic polypropylene or PET materials are their ability to make bi-directionally elastic non-wovens in a single step and end-products that provide better sealing, recovery and filtering performance.

Still not convinced by the maverick performance of polyurethanes? According to industry data, the popularity of polyurethanes accounts for more than 15.4 US tons or 14 million metric tons sold and used annually, with a high growth rate over the past 25 years, and yes, including the recession starting in 2008. TPUs continue to grow at ambitious rates (8% or more). As a point of interest, the top applications for TPUs are building and construction, transportation, furniture and bedding and appliances, closely followed by packaging, textiles, fibers and apparel and machinery and foundry. Look into today’s TPUs to see what you – and your products – may be missing. The evidence is most convincing for a bright future for TPUs, taking the lead in applications calling for dependable performance, recyclability, ruggedness and design freedom.

TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethanes) have achieved widespread usage and popularity in thousands of products, owing to their durability, softness and colorability among other benefits. In addition, they are easy to process.

For more information on products and services, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

Banana Bunker

2011-02-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Before Joining Alliance Polymers & Services (APS) Ron Sheu helped develop the Banana Bunker!

Have you ever had the bad experience that the tasty banana you took with you to the office had turned into unappetizing mush by the time you were ready to eat it? Paul Stremple, CEO of Cultured Containers, certainly has. Normally, he is busy creating products for Gucci or Ralph Loren, but he was so absorbed by the problem with the banana that he decided to look for a solution here as well. Together with Ron Sheu, applications developer at BASF, he created this banana protector, called the BananaBunker®. Styrolux® 3G46, an SBS made by BASF, turned out to be the right material for this since it is especially well-suited for blow-molding and short cycle times. The Banana Bunker is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Now Stremple wants to turn his attention to new tasks - protective packaging for other types of snacks is to follow.

For more information on products and services, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

Ron Sheu Joins Alliance Polymers & Service (APS)

2011-02-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Ron Sheu, one of the plastics industry’s leading elastomers development and application executives, has joined Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC (APS) as a partner. He is now one of three principals of APS, along with Roger Huarng and Stephane Morin.

Ron's role at APS will complement those of the other two principals by adding depth in applications and development technical expertise for the firm’s growing customer base throughout North America. He is an acknowledged senior level technical expert on thermoplastic elastomers and is key to APS now selling the highly competitive line of Maxelast® TPEs from Polymax Elastomer Technology. Maxelast TPEs are formulated to compete in quality and processability with every popular grade of existing TPE.

Ron Sheu was the Market Development Manager with the Styrolux® SBC Business Group of BASF Corporation. Sheu was a long-time employee of BASF in the U.S., having worked for the firm for 20 years. Prior to that, he was with the former GE Plastics.

A native of Taiwan, Ron came to North America, earning a degree in polymer science and continued his education at Lehigh University where he earned both a Masters and a Ph.D degree in polymer science.

APS, currently offers the full line of BASF Elastollan® TPUs and Polymax Maxelast® TPEs, providing product, processing assistance, advice and answers for the design and molding needs of plastics processors and designers throughout the North American Continent. The company was founded in 2009 and has become one of the leading elastomers distributors in North America, selling among other product lines, Elastollan® TPUs from BASF and Maxelast® TPEs from Polymax.

Alliance Polymers and Services, LLC, with headquarters in Romulus, MI, is a full-service warehousing, distribution, shipping and technical service organization dedicated to helping TPU and other elastomer marketers and processors with all their product and technical support needs.

For more information on products and services, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

Make Roger Huarng Happy!

2011-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

Visit booth 3946 at PlastecWest in Anaheim, California, February 8-10 to meet Roger Huarng of Alliance Polymers & Services (APS). Roger loves to talk TPE, so give him something to smile about.

For more information on products and services, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.

GROWTH OF TPEs IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN STRONG FOR MANY YEARS TO COME

2011-02-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

New Formulations, New Applications Continue to Contribute to Ongoing Success

By Stephane Morin, Alliance Polymers & Services, LLC

Before TPEs (thermoplastic elastomers), there was thermoset rubber. But there was a need for a better type of product – one that could increase part production (lowering cycle times), offer lower weight, be easily colorable, be soft or rigid, be recyclable, be produced over other materials in a two shot process (overmolding), and contribute to lower part costs.

Enter TPEs in the 1970’s on a mass scale, soon to be followed by other soft elastomers that soon fell under the general category of TPEs – TPOs or thermoplastic olefins, TPVs or thermoplastic vulcanizates, TPUs or thermoplastic polyurethanes and dozens of new grades that were and are simply ‘alloyed’ products comprised of different components.

Soon thereafter, were grades that could not only be injection molded, but also extruded, blow molded or thermoformed. New Compounds, New End Products Products started appearing on the market with a new look and feel, enabling manufacturers to up sell their wares to appeal to new markets – the venerable power drill comes to mind – the same basic drill innards over the years, but ‘reintroduced’ with new, visually-appealing grips.

Then came new and better products for goods such as sporting equipment, automotive seals and hoses, medical goods, appliance parts, window and glazing seals, wire and cable applications and hundreds of other products in dozens of markets. Thanks to TPEs, they not only looked better and could be processed better, but they performed better and offered a variety of textural and finishing options. Depending on the application and the product, they were softer or harder, more resistant to chemicals and oils, more durable, able withstand far higher and lower temperatures, and ultimately would and could last longer.

The advent of TPEs enabled designers, marketers and manufacturers to offer products with much broader options for design, including improved grip with built-in ergonomics, improved sealing, living hinges, noise and/or vibration damping and protection, and reduce scrap, among others. This was combined by improving product development cycle times, speeding up production cycle times, reducing materials usage and generally decreasing production costs. More recently came bonding grades which maximized the potential of overmolding technology. This reduced or eliminated the need for adhesives or other mechanical interlocks to combine different materials, including grades that could be bonded onto many other polymers as well as many metals (and in fact, replaced many metals). With the ability to overmold onto a variety of materials, components now can easily and cost-effectively produced/molded into soft/hard material combination, while all the while ensuring outstanding performance. At the present time, there are numerous classes of TPEs.

Which TPE to Use?
Below are listed the advantages of each class of TPE. Using these guidelines, potential users can quickly and accurately narrow the type of soft elastomer best suited for their application:
• Polyurethanes (TPU)
• Styrenics (TPE-S)
• Copolyesters (COPE)
• Polyamides (PEBA)
• Polyolefin Alloys (TPV)
• Polyolefin Blends (TPO)

The accompanying chart will give potential users an indication where each class is best suitable for applications depending on prince and performance.

(click on chart to enlarge)

For more information on products and services, contact:

Alliance Polymers & Services

30735 Cypress Road, Suite 400

Romulus, MI 48174

Tel: 734-710-6700 Fax: 734-710-6715

Web: www.apstpe.com. Email: sales@apstpe.com.