Advanced Elastomer Systems: Co-Extrusion for Hybrid Profiles
Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES) in association with Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik, a leading German machine manufacturer, has developed a new, innovative co-extrusion process to manufacture profiles or weatherseals for the automotive and building industries. This new single step, co-extrusion process enables the attributes and benefits of Santoprene thermoplastics vulcanizate (TPV) and EPDM rubber to be combined. The machinery design, developed at the Troester Technology Centre, comprises a 60 mm plastic extruder for Santoprene rubber and a 90 mm vacuum extruder for EPDM compounds. A specially developed die head combines both materials simultaneously. For the full vulcanisation of the EPDM profile, the total EPDM/TPV system runs through a standard vulcanisation unit. All line components are part of Troester’s manufacturing programmes. Hybrid profiles exhibit excellent adhesive strength on the interface between the two materials. It is possible to design combinations in either solid materials or using the AES patented waterfoaming process for Santoprene rubber in black or coloured options.