After many months of preparation, we formally launched the Teknor Apex Materials Lab. This web page was created to be an online TPE materials resource for industrial designers and product engineers. Here are five things I'm proud of:
1. Our team used every opportunity to incorporate actual input from industrial designers into the content you'll find here. From unique blogs to downloadable eBooks and helpful guides, each piece was written with their needs in mind.
2. The tone of the Materials Lab is different then the rest of our site, and that's a good thing. Our day job is to sell plastic resin to processors and part manufacturers, and our website reflects this. Industrial designers are very different from plastics engineers, and their online experience should reflect that.
3. It's a one stop shop. Not only will you have access to the latest TPE technology to inspire your next design, but this Materials Lab also serves as a repository for useful links to sites like efunda.com and design-engine.com, and also features an extensive FAQ section, where you'll find the answers to questions like: What exactly is a Thermoplastic Elastomer? What is Shore Hardness? How do TPEs compare to silicone?
4. It's now super easy to obtain samples; and not just of pellets. Do you need a tube made from TPE or a flat sheet? Whatever shape or size you need to prototype your part, let us know and we'll do our best to provide you with a product sample that best represents the final design.
5. We won't let it get stale. We're actively researching new topics for content, and we're contstantly soliciting input from individuals on how to improve the experience. (That said, if you already have some ideas, send me an email!)
So, stop reading this blog post, and click on Materials Lab to check it out for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
Teknor Apex is your number one resource for designing with Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs). Whether you're looking to create a soft-touch button or a non-slip grip on a handheld device, TPEs are the premier choice. The Teknor Apex Materials Lab provides you with design tips, interesting blogs and white papers, and other resources to inspire your product design.
