Food security is a top priority for economies worldwide in response to the rapid population growth, climate change, industrialization, and shifts in consumption patterns. This has led to the development of a sustainable agriculture scenario through the improvement of produce yields, with a focus on disease prevention and pest control.

Consequently, the increasing adoption of mechanization and automation technologies for production, cultivation, and pest management, necessary to efficiently meet the rising demand for food, is driving the need for modern agricultural equipment. This segment, meanwhile, has to comply with international safety standards, which are applicable in the design and development of the machine parts and control systems to reduce machine-related hazards, risks and injuries.

Specific advanced materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), exhibit properties that fit the criteria for safe and efficient application components for the agriculture sector.

Kraiburg TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom-engineered TPE solutions, offers TPE compounds with properties suited for applications in a wide range of agricultural sectors. The TPE compounds can be used for components such as grommets, seals, motors, and vibration mounts on agriculture equipment like sprayers, lawn mowers, grass trimmers, and fogging machinery.

The Thermolast K series has excellent mechanical properties, optimal adhesion, and easy thermoplastic processability that fit the requirements for agriculture equipment applications. Furthermore, the Thermolast K series of compounds has good weathering resistance for outdoor applications, especially in the agriculture sector.

Additionally, an important application for this TPE series is water management systems for sustainable farming. Owing to their material properties, TPE compounds are suited for use in irrigation systems; and for fittings, sealing and tubing.

TPE’s excellent adhesion to PC, ABS, PC/ABS, PA, POM, PP, and PE also makes it an appropriate material for applications in the agriculture machinery sector. The basis of a reliable machine is a robust, durable, and functional design. The Thermolast K series can achieve such factors as it allows for insert molding, catering to design flexibility, and the ability to develop unique shapes and parts. Moreover, the Thermolast K series provides a pleasant surface-feel that is suited for handles of hand-held agriculture machinery. Further, other possible applications, such as sealing for protective gears, goggles, and grips on tools, benefit from the soft-touch advantage of the TPE series.