Monday, January 26, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Viprene® TPV Optimized with Specific Grip and Softness for Guitar Knobs
Knobeez was looking for a rubber
alternative with a soft, easy grip for guitar and bass knobs. “We needed a
super “grippy” moldable material”, says Tom Washburn of Knobeez. Manufactured near APS Elastomers’ headquarters
in Metro Detroit, Knobeez contacted Stephane Morin to find the optimal material
to produce the guitar knobs that would provide the proper feel and fit over
potentiometer shafts. Potentiometers are a three-terminal resistor with an
adjustable center connection, widely used for volume control in audio
equipment. Knobeez are press on guitar knobs designed for comfort and ease of
use for all types of electric stringed instruments; ideal for guitarists who do
volume swell.
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| Knobeez |
“Viprene®
thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) exhibit many properties similar to rubber such
as flexibility over a wide temperature range and resistance to degradation from
water, oil and grease”, says Stephane Morin, co-owner of APS Elastomers.
It can also be processed using conventional injection molding and
extrusion equipment. Available in Shore hardness
range of 35A-50D, Viprene® can be
optimized with specific softness and grip needed in industrial, construction,
appliance, and electronic applications. Lower processing costs as well as
adhesion to a broad range of substrates make it an ideal substitute of more
costly material needed in soft touch parts such as overmolded grips for power
tools, appliance, and utensil handles.
In addition to its
rubber-like properties, Viprene® TPVs are fatigue resistant, dimensionally
stable and offer very low compression set, heat aging stability, low
temperature flexibility and excellent U.V. and ozone stability. “Good
colorability allows Knobeez to produce their knobs in a variety of bold
colors”, adds Morin.
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| Knobeez available in a variety of colors |
APS Elastomers is
committed to providing in-depth and high level customer and technical service,
problem-solving, product development and support to designers, OEMs and
processors; building relationships based on knowledge, trust and
experience. APS Elastomers also provides beside-the-press consulting,
full laboratory services, and expedited shipment.
For more information on
TPVs TPEs, TPUs, as well as standard and custom grades, contact: APS Elastomers
at info@apstpe.com
For more information
on Knobeez visit their website: http://www.knobeez.com/
Monday, January 5, 2015
Friday, December 19, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
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
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