Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Hand Tools

Pittsburgh, May 21, 2008 — Desmopan® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an increasingly popular material when it comes to giving tools a hard-wearing, high-quality, easy-to-grip surface. Recently, the Dutch firm BEARGRIP, a manufacturer of hand tools based in Ruinen, Netherlands, announced the successful market launch of its “ClipPac bit set” with a bit-holder made of Desmopan TPU.

The part was developed in close cooperation with MMID Full Service Design Team B.V., a Netherlands-based firm. It immediately catches the eye with its combination of design and functionality. The complete subassembly is injection molded using soft/hard technology in a two-component mold. The ClipPac is made of a hard polycarbonate/ABS blend, while the bit-holder itself is molded from “soft” Desmopan 487 TPU.

“In this application, several advantages of our TPU material come together. For example, the high coefficient of friction ensures that the bits are held securely in the holes without slipping,” said Steven Daelemans, a TPU expert at Bayer MaterialScience. “And it stays that way over the long term because the holes do not increase in size – even when the tool is in constant use. This is due to the low compression set and good abrasion resistance, tear strength and tear propagation resistance of our TPU.”

Another reason for choosing Desmopan 487 TPU, which has a hardness of 86 Shore A, is its excellent tactile properties. Its surface feels warm, soft and dry, and offers good resistance to oils, grease, detergents and the many other materials encountered by craftsmen, mechanics and do-it-yourselfers on a daily basis. In addition, TPU retains its properties over a broad temperature range and is highly resistant to weathering.

Low production costs are extremely important to BEARGRIP because the tool market is extremely cost competitive. Desmopan 487 TPU also scores in this department because it is very easy to process. Its melt solidifies quickly, allowing short cycle times and economical production. In addition to these qualities, it adheres well to the “hard” polycarbonate/ABS substrate.

BEARGRIP has made a name for itself worldwide as a manufacturer of high-quality, ergonomically styled hand tools. The company specializes in, among other things, hexagonal keys, bits, riveting pliers and screwdrivers.

The high coefficient of friction of Desmopan® 487 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) ensures that the bits are held securely in the holes of the BEARGRIP® “ClipPac bit set” without slipping. The holes do not increase in size even when the tool is in constant use – thanks to the low compression set and good abrasion resistance, tear strength and tear propagation resistance of the TPU.

About Bayer MaterialScience
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,400 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2007 sales of 10.4 billion euros. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Our inorganic basic chemicals unit produces chlorine and related essential products for the chemicals industry. Let us give life to your vision. Bayer MaterialScience – Where VisionWorks.

Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2007 net sales of 8.1 billion euros and employed 16,800 at year end. Bayer’s three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people’s lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.