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Maxelast® TPEs Used in Taxidermy Applications

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) are finding more applications and enabling better and more sophisticated designs. After years of design and testing, an expert moldmaker and world champion taxidermist was approached by Stephane Morin, owner of APS Elastomers with a better material solution. Working in conjunction with APS Elastomers and taxidermy experts, the molder recreates earliners, earbutts, as well as replacement noses and tongues using a special translucent flexible TPE to obtain the proper thickness, the perfect color, and exact shape needed to reconstruct anatomically accurate parts.

Ease of processing coupled with the superior post-shaping and sealing characteristics of the material render Maxelast® TPE the ideal material to replicate parts needed for taxidermy.   “The choice of materials used in the production of taxidermy parts is absolutely critical in order to meet our customers high standards”, says Stephane Morin.  Maxelast® TPE combines the properties of rubber (elasticity, cold weather resistance and soft touch) with the processability of plastics allowing products to be designed and fabricated faster, easier and more economically.

Complex structures, all forms are sculpted differently; achieving the proper fit and transition. Intrinsically detailed, the ears feature a natural translucent cartilage color, detailed inner ear structure, proper auditory ridges, the correct bulge of the conchal cartilage, and the natural roll back of the tip. The molded ears, tongues and noses have the cleanest edges and finest lines of any taxidermy parts on the market; providing outstanding adhesion with a variety of hide pastes and epoxies. 

When extruded or co-extruded, the Maxelast® grade can be miter-cut and heat welded for corner fastening products and applications, providing yet another benefit by reducing the need by processors and marketers to produce different-sized products. Depending on the grade, the Maxelast® D-Series TPEs can also be foamed to achieve a smooth surface or skin. Additional benefits include good weatherability, UV stability, long service life, weight reduction, reprocessability and recyclability. The D-Series of Maxelast TPEs are available in natural, black or transparent grades for easy coloring in hardness ranges from 30 to 60 Shore A.

“Combining thermoplastic elastomer knowledge, detail product design, and expert mold making has resulted in the best commercial and competition taxidermy parts on the market”, adds Morin.

For more information on how APS Elastomers can find cost-effective solutions, develop proprietary formulations, and enhance products faster and more efficiently, contact info@apstpe.com