KRAIBURG TPE empowers active grille shutters of vehicles

Active Grille Shutter (AGS) is an electronically controlled vent located in the front grille of a car, to make driving more fuel efficient. Like any system, AGS can malfunction. Extreme weather, electrical faults, or mechanical issues may affect its performance. Using advanced materials like thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in its construction improves reliability and ensures consistent function under changing conditions.

KRAIBURG TPE offers the THERMOLAST K series for new generation AGS applications to boost durability and maintain reliable performance.

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST K is ideal for AGS applications.

THERMOLAST K offers low-density compounds (<0.8 g/cm³), making it ideal for exterior automotive components. This lightweight material solution results in lighter AGS parts, improving fuel economy in conventional and hybrid vehicles or extending range in electric vehicles, without compromising strength or performance.

The TPE compound retains material resiliency as well as thermal and mechanical stability across demanding temperature cycles, performing reliably from -40 °C. This makes it suitable for use in engine bays and exterior fasteners, where thermal stress is frequent.

Available for reliable two-component (2K) injection molding, THERMOLAST K forms strong adhesion with a wide range of thermoplastic substrates, including PP, PC/ABS, PBT, PETG, PMMA, PET, PA6/6.6/12, POM, PS, and more. Its excellent flow behavior ensures precise molding and reduces weld lines, resulting in a high-quality surface finish.

The material is also optimized for extrusion processes. Available in a broad hardness range, from supersoft to 66 Shore D, it also comes in translucent and transparent grades, even for adhesion compounds, with in-house coloring options to meet the visual specifications of AGS units.