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FAST MELT SOLIDIFICATION RESULTS IN COST-EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION
The “Elemaris” from BRITA GmbH is a key innovation in the table water filter premium segment. As well as filter technology, what particularly makes it stand out from the crowd is its functionality and top-class design. Materials from Bayer MaterialScience AG have played their part in this too. The handle and the four rounded sections of the base of the water filter pitcher are coated with the thermoplastic polyurethane Desmopan DP 6386A. “Our material was preferred because it is particularly resistant to scratching, abrasion, and slipping. It produces soft-touch surfaces that are pleasant to the touch, highly robust and show barely any signs of wear and tear even after many years of use,” says Georg Fuchte, segment manager in the Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Business Unit at Bayer MaterialScience. In addition to Elemaris, BRITA also fits the “Atlantis” table water filter with appropriate components made with Desmopan DP 6386A. TPU has a hardness of 86 Shore A. It has a polyether base and is therefore highly resistant to hydrolytic and microbial degradation. It contains neither plasticizers nor halogens and adheres well to many thermoplastics. A further strength is its high chemical resistance to typical household chemicals such as oils, greases, and cleaning agents. The filter pitcher is produced with a 2-component lathe tool using hard/soft technology and injection molding. Firstly, the transparent base of the pitcher is created from hard styrene acrylonitrile copolymer. Then, the soft components made of TPU are molded using hot runner technology. “Our TPU material has the advantage that its melt solidifies very rapidly. Production is therefore fast and cost-effective. Generally speaking, this TPU can cut cycle times by up to 35 percent compared to standard polyether grades of Desmopan,” says Fuchte. BRITA GmbH, a family business based in Taunusstein near Wiesbaden, Germany, is an international market leader in household water filters. It manufactures table and faucet fitted water filters, kettles and water dispensers with integrated filters. Other highlights of its product portfolio are commercial water filter systems and cartridges for coffee machines and dishwashers, for example. With sales of EUR 8.6 billion in 2004, Bayer MaterialScience AG belongs to the leading polymer companies in the world. The majority of sales today are generated by products holding leading positions in the world market. Industries served include automotive manufacturing, electrical engineering and electronics, construction and home products, and sports and leisure. Bayer MaterialScience has 40 production sites around the globe and employs some 17,900 people. http://www.bayermaterialscience.com
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