Materials Update 19891

Elastomer helps protect electronics devices

A producer of mobile, computer, and consumer electronics accessories was looking for a material that would produce a shock-absorbing and water-resistant shield for personal digital assistants. The company, Fellowes (Itasca, IL), decided to mold its Bumper protector units out of soft-touch Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer from Advanced Elastomer Systems. The bumpers are ergonomically designed for slimness, comfort, and style, and can be manually fixed around Palm Pilot, Palm III, Palm V, and Palm m500 Series, and Handspring products.

The material was selected by Bridge Design (San Francisco, CA), a product design and development firm, for its in-process colorability, soft touch, toughness, and ability to maintain tight tolerances during the molding cycle. The material, unlike thermoset rubber, is also said to be easy to process and is recyclable.

The bumpers include a hideaway lid, dual stylus ports, built-in loops for attaching to neck or wrist straps, and a pass-through infrared window allowing for synchronization and beaming. The bumpers cost $39.99.

Advanced Elastomer Systems LP, Akron, OH
(330) 849-5000
www.aestpe.com