When Michael Fransko the
owner of Houkie Worldwide, LLC was in need of a soft, yet durable material that
would mold easy, he contacted Stephane Morin of APS Elastomers for advice. After
discussing the challenges with the mold, Stephane was able to pinpoint issues
with previous material and molder, and with his vast knowledge of elastomeric
material, Stephane recommended Zythane® 4060A; a very soft, non-plasticize
thermoplastic elastomer TPU, which helps with
the flow into the cavity.
Thermoplastic
Elastomer (TPE) supplier, APS Elastomers has worked with molders, inventors and
entrepreneurs for years; helping them choose the proper material, find
cost-effective solutions, conceptualize, develop and commercialize
elastomer-based products. “We receive countless
inquiries from small companies, inventors, and independent molders seeking
information regarding proper material selection - or occasionally, an
alternative to a material they are using that may be better suited for the
product they are developing”, says Stephane Morin, owner of APS
Elastomers.
The Houkie is a flexible
overshoe that will protect all areas where damage occurs when skateboarding. Available
in three sizes, the Houkie is stylish, removable and reusable. The dynamic stretch bands at the mid-foot
allow the cover the stretch to fit numerous sizes. “The beauty of the Zythane material
is if the Houkie feels snug, simply place the front half into a pot of boiling
water for about 8-10 seconds, then immediately put the Houkie on your shoe with
it on your foot and allow it to cool for 5 minutes, which allows it to mold to
the width of the shoe. Talk about a custom fit”, says Michael Fransko.
Exhibiting
flexibility in low temperatures, Zythane 4060A accommodate applications requiring
shock absorption, abrasion resistance, wet slip resistance, and comfort. “The Zythane® 4060A is wonderful material,
adds Mr. Fransko. After dealing
unsuccessfully with a molder in China, we have contracted with a
manufacturer here in the United States and are proud to say Houkie’s are made
in the USA!"
In addition to assisting in product development, APS Elastomers will evaluate material’s performance, and if needed, rectify deficiencies. “It’s exciting to see the end products created from our TPEs”, says Morin. “We welcome the opportunity to discuss projects and appreciate the challenge of developing new products or enhancing existing ones”, adds Morin.
"It's been a struggle
getting the Houkie developed so we can produce a quality product that will save
skaters money, but with APS Elastomers’ guidance we are very excited about
launching the Houkie and saving everyone money", adds Mr. Fransko about
the past 8 months of developing the Houkie.
APS Elastomers
provides engineering service, technical support, and TPE materials (TPEs, TPVs,
TPUs and other soft elastomers) for consumer and industrial applications.
Company offerings include Maxelast® TPEs, Viprene® TPVs, Zythane® TPUs, TPE
alloys, compounding series, and custom and standard soft elastomer
formulations.
For more
information on how APS Elastomers can find cost-effective solutions, develop
proprietary TPE formulations, and enhance your products faster and more
efficiently, contact info@apstpe.com
