Kraiburg TPE Supplies THERMOLAST K Compounds for Toys Applications

The Photon educational robot launched by Photon Entertainment Sp. z o. o. based in Białystok (Poland) is a teaching robot that helps children expand their logical skills while they play. Photon is steered using a centrally placed castor and it moves on two laterally mounted rear wheels, the running surfaces of which are made of a GP/FG THERMOLAST K compound.

Two transparent feelers at its head serve as antennas and light sensors, respectively. To provide “emotional” feedback, the robot has two eyes that can change color, as do the feelers The feelers and eyes are also made of C/ht THERMOLAST K compound.

For Photon’s feelers and eyes, Experteam chose an FC/ht (Food Contact, highly transparent) compound from the THERMOLAST K series that has already been tried and tested many times in different end products that come into contact with food and skin.

In addition to satisfying the criteria set by the FDA (CFR 21) and EU Regulation No. 10/2011 for applications with food contact, the compound also meets the strict requirements of DIN EN 71-3 for the safety of toys, which limits the use of ingredients containing heavy metals.

The selected TPE compound also provides superior flowability and nonslip soft-touch characteristics, combined with a hardness of 80 Shore A. Its excellent transparency supports interaction with the robot, as its feelers and eyes are also designed as communicative light elements that change color depending on the task or “reaction” and require good light scattering.

A black THERMOLAST K compound from the GP/FG (General Purpose, Low Fogging) series is used for the Photon’s running surfaces. The compound’s 60 Shore A abrasion resistance ensures that the robot does not leave any marks on sensitive floors. This TPE also provides good flowability and pleasant touch characteristics. In addition, it is UL94 HB-listed. 

For more information, please visit www.kraiburg-tpe.com