SANTOPRENE THERMOPLASTIC RUBBER ACHIEVE FASTER CYCLING TIMES
20 October 2004 - ExxonMobil Chemical Co

Injection moulders can soon achieve significantly faster cycle times when processing Santoprene thermoplastic rubber that uses a new technology. The new technology can translate into considerable per-part cost savings and increased processing capacity for injection moulders.

By incorporating this processing advancement, a soon-to-be-available new family of Santoprene thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) will process up to 25% faster than typical Santoprene rubber grades. The improved production also has the potential to markedly reduce injection moulders' operating costs.

'This latest new Santoprene rubber technology is helping advance customers' businesses by empowering processors to save on operating costs and to extend their capacity to produce more products,' said Lynell Maenza, Global Industrial Manager, Advanced Elastomer Systems, an affiliate of ExxonMobil Chemical Co.

Key to the reduction in cycle time is proprietary technology that enables faster setting time for injection-moulded Santoprene rubber parts. While the technology is in its developmental stage, samples are currently available for customer evaluation. Commercial availability of the new Santoprene rubber family of faster-cycling grades is expected in early 2005.

'This new faster-cycling technology further extends the economic boundary for choosing Santoprene rubber for thermoset rubber substitution,' said Maenza. Additional advantages for selecting Santoprene rubber to replace thermoset rubber include ease of processing, design flexibility, reliable part-to-part consistency, recyclability and effective use of scrap material -- both in the manufacturing environment and at the end of part life.

Generally, products that will be benefit most from this new technology are ones with longer cycle times. While injection moulded applications are best suited to maximize the benefits of this technology, it can be used for blow moulded and extruded applications as well.

With head offices in Akron, Ohio, AES is an affiliate of ExxonMobil Chemical Co, a division of Exxon Mobil Corp. AES is the worldwide leader in engineered TPVs, materials with the performance and aesthetics of rubber, and the processing ease of plastic. The company's flagship product Santoprene TPV is a recyclable elastomer commonly used in the appliance, automotive, construction, consumer goods, electrical, fluid delivery, grips, medical and packaging industries.

http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com

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