Compounder S&E Specialty Polymers LLC (Lunenburg, MA) has developed two new SEBS product lines, the TufPrene 2200 Series, a standard filled material available in 30 to 90 Shore A hardnesses, and the unfilled TufPrene 2000 Series. Both compounds can be color matched to specific customer requirements.

The thermoplastic elastomer compounds can be molded or extruded, and they bond naturally to PE, PP, nylon, and ABS. Described as PVC alternative materials, TufPrene products are suited for a range of applications including consumer goods such as knife handles and soft-touch storage containers, industrial power and hand tools, food contact and nonregulated medical products, automotive trim and cup holders, footwear, wire and cable jacketing, and window seals.

Regarding potential medical applications, National Sales Director Jay Munsey says that "SEBS can be a more cost-effective answer to silicone, which may be overengineered for [some] applications and therefore overpriced. In medical applications where USP Class VI is not required, S&E Specialty Polymers can manufacture materials using all food-grade ingredients. We have also paid for third-party testing to ensure our customer is comfortable with our product," says Munsey.

Formalizing a standard product line, as it has done with the introduction of these SEB materials, allows the company to respond more quickly to customer requirements, adds Munsey. It provides a starting point for a conversation with the customer. "If none of the products meet their needs, we can take the next step and work with them to develop what they do need. Producing step plaques in different durometers is another way for customers to get an idea of how soft or how hard they want the material to be," says Munsey.

Key rings with molded samples of TufPrene 2200 and 2000 Series materials in a variety of colors and hardness values are available. Interested customers should contact the company.

— Norbert Sparrow