Sheet combines best properties of acrylic, ABS

Spartech Corp. used the SPE Thermoforming Conference and trade show to introduce its new WeatherPro T-20 and T-30 multi-layered, weatherable ABS products. Spartech introduced the new material in a special presentation given by John Hirsch, Spartech's product manager for polycarbonate, acrylic and weather able ABS products.

"What distinguishes WeatherPro T-20 and T-30 is the excellent balance of properties demonstrated in both products," Hirsch said. "Combining the appearance, chemical and weather resistance of specialty formulated acrylic resins with the stiffness, impact strength and thermoforming characteristics of ABS, the WeatherPro T series should prove to be a great solution for many of our customer applications."

Hirsch stressed that this is an "enhancement, not a replacement" for the company's previous products. "This is the next generation of acrylic/ABS technology," he noted. "We've optimized the structures to meet the latest demands of our customers."

The properties of the WeatherPro T-series make it ideally suited for thermoformed outdoor parts including tractor panels, lawn and garden equipment, marine parts and paint and gel-coat replacement applications.

Hirsch explained that the WeatherPro T-20 sheet material is slightly softer, slightly tougher and the 'depth of image' (DOI) is not as sharp, but provides the best chemical resistance. WeatherPro T-30 has a very sharp DOI and a harder surface. "Color is a huge part of our T-20 and T-30," he added.

In addition to the WeatherPro products, Spartech featured its specialty products for the thermoforming industry, including Ultros Renu, an environmentally-friendly PETG for the building and construction markets; Extreme TPO, a high-performance thermoplastic polyolefin for the transportatino markets; and its line of Royalite specialty products.