3) Alcryn(R) - Appearance
Source: Pinnacle Technology
Look and feel is important in applications where consumers equate a glossy, shiny surface, and a slippery, "cold" feel with the idea of "cheap plastics." Also, in many industry s
Look and feel is important in applications where consumers equate a glossy, shiny surface, and a slippery, "cold" feel with the idea of "cheap plastics." Also, in many industry segments, such as agricultural equipment and power tools, users judge quality and durability by the look of rubber. In such applications, a low-gloss, soft, high-friction feel is desirable.
Responding to customers' perception of value, automakers use soft, low-gloss, "warm" surfaces for interior trim, knobs, grips, steering wheels, etc. Appliance makers specify bright-color, "soft-touch," flexible parts for kitchen appliances. Similarly, the electronic industry values soft-touch grips and push buttons for hand-held electronic devices such as cameras, razors, telephones, etc.
In lawn and garden equipment, agricultural equipment, and even toys, the consumer wants the tire, roller, hose cover, seal, or wire insulation to look like rubber, not "cheap" plastic. Skilled tradesmen prefer power tools that look like metal and rubber, rather than plastic and vinyl.
There is also a functional aspect to the look and feel of rubber. A high-friction, nonslip surface is important for such applications as handgrips on tools; tips on walkers, canes, and crutches; brake and clutch foot pads for cars and tractors; light-duty tires on golf carts, tractors and agricultural equipment; friction drive rollers in industrial, consumer, and office equipment; and step pads on ladders and boats.
The coefficient of friction (COF) for rubber ranges from 0.4 to over 1.0. Table 1 shows Alcryn® has almost twice the dynamic surface friction of other TPES.
Table 1 ¾ Comparing the Coefficients of Friction for Popular TPE's
1Kraton® is a registered trademark of Shell Chemical Company.
2Santoprene® is a registered trademark of Advanced Elastomer Systems.
Note that the COF of Alcryn® stands out versus other TPEs of similar hardness grade. When rubber-like look, feel, and surface friction is important, Alcryn® is "the most rubber-like" TPE. To illustrate the point, consider a crutch tip in white color Alcryn®, wire insulation in several colors, and a tool grip. Ask users what the material is and they'll answer "rubber."
Because of this, molders have been able to switch parts from rubber to higher-productivity Alcryn® without the perceived "cheapening" of the product. The rubber-like look and feel of Alcryn® is featured in welding connectors, small engine seals, pipe seals and industrial protective clothing. The COF advantage of Alcryn® against glass makes it a highly preferred choice in extruded profiles used as automotive and architectural window glazing.
Responding to customers' perception of value, automakers use soft, low-gloss, "warm" surfaces for interior trim, knobs, grips, steering wheels, etc. Appliance makers specify bright-color, "soft-touch," flexible parts for kitchen appliances. Similarly, the electronic industry values soft-touch grips and push buttons for hand-held electronic devices such as cameras, razors, telephones, etc.
In lawn and garden equipment, agricultural equipment, and even toys, the consumer wants the tire, roller, hose cover, seal, or wire insulation to look like rubber, not "cheap" plastic. Skilled tradesmen prefer power tools that look like metal and rubber, rather than plastic and vinyl.
There is also a functional aspect to the look and feel of rubber. A high-friction, nonslip surface is important for such applications as handgrips on tools; tips on walkers, canes, and crutches; brake and clutch foot pads for cars and tractors; light-duty tires on golf carts, tractors and agricultural equipment; friction drive rollers in industrial, consumer, and office equipment; and step pads on ladders and boats.
The coefficient of friction (COF) for rubber ranges from 0.4 to over 1.0. Table 1 shows Alcryn® has almost twice the dynamic surface friction of other TPES.
Table 1 ¾ Comparing the Coefficients of Friction for Popular TPE's
| Styrenic (e.g., Kraton®)1 | TPV (e.g., Santoprene®)2 | Alcryn® | |
| cShore Hardness Grade | 70A | 70A | 70A |
| COF against steel | 0.55 | 0.85 | 1.42 |
| COF against glass | 0.76 | 0.95 | 2.87 |
| COF against itself | 0.92 | 0.95 | 1.62 |
1Kraton® is a registered trademark of Shell Chemical Company.
2Santoprene® is a registered trademark of Advanced Elastomer Systems.
Note that the COF of Alcryn® stands out versus other TPEs of similar hardness grade. When rubber-like look, feel, and surface friction is important, Alcryn® is "the most rubber-like" TPE. To illustrate the point, consider a crutch tip in white color Alcryn®, wire insulation in several colors, and a tool grip. Ask users what the material is and they'll answer "rubber."
Because of this, molders have been able to switch parts from rubber to higher-productivity Alcryn® without the perceived "cheapening" of the product. The rubber-like look and feel of Alcryn® is featured in welding connectors, small engine seals, pipe seals and industrial protective clothing. The COF advantage of Alcryn® against glass makes it a highly preferred choice in extruded profiles used as automotive and architectural window glazing.
Pinnacle Technology, Box 7. Tel: 717-242-3345; Fax: .