Spartech Debuts Extreme TPO Sheet for Consistent Thermoforming Results, Excellent Performance & Reduced System Costs
New Proprietary TPO Technology Offers Superior Properties and Processing vs. Traditional Materials, Allowing for Expanded Range of High-Performance Applications
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Mar. 31, 2008 - Spartech Corporation, a leading producer of extruded plastic sheet, polymeric compounds, and engineered products, today announces its new Extreme thermoplastic olefin (TPO) family of products, comprised initially of three grades: Extreme LG, Extreme HG, and Extreme D TPO sheet. These new sheet products address traditional TPO thermoforming challenges by avoiding problems caused by excessive sagging due to poor melt strength. Based on a proprietary new technology, Extreme TPO sheet provides consistent, high-quality thermoforming results with a wider processing window, increased performance, excellent aesthetics and lower processing costs.
"Until now, chronic thermoforming inconsistencies have limited the potential of TPOs," said Michael Mahan, Marketing Product Development Manager, Spartech Corporation. "With more reliable performance and higher quality than traditional thermoplastic olefins, our Extreme TPO sheet products are opening the door to new applications. This is particularly the case in replacing fiberglass and metal in recreational vehicle (RV), bus, truck, and marine components where excellent aesthetics, strength, chemical and UV resistance, durability, and processing flexibility are required. In addition, due to improved processing, Extreme™ TPO sheet delivers higher throughput and reduced waste."
Spartech offers Extreme TPO sheet in three grades, all of which provide inherent UV resistance and long-term weatherability for demanding outdoor applications:
- Extreme LG -TPO sheet providing a low- to medium-gloss finish after forming.
- Extreme HG - TPO sheet providing a high-gloss (85 percent) finish and excellent depth of image. This grade is available in a range of colors, avoiding the need for secondary painting operations.
- Extreme D - TPO sheet with Korad acrylic polymer that imparts a glossy, abrasion- and chemical-resistant surface. This premium grade is available in all Korad® patterns, including wood grain, granite, marble and many other decorative options. Similar to the Extreme HG TPO sheet, Extreme D sheet grades can eliminate the need for secondary painting and coating.
New Spartech Extreme TPO sheet is a natural fit as manufacturers look to replace conventional materials. With lower specific gravity than fiberglass (1.12 vs. 1.80), Extreme TPO sheet products offer a light-weight alternative in vehicle components where weight-out is important. They also offer longer lasting weather resistance, excellent cold weather performance, and exceptional durability. Further, they are highly resistant to common cleaning agents and can be fastened without the use of a screw. Target applications include RV, bus, and truck roofs, fenders, doors and side walls, wheel wells, end caps, bumpers, fender skirts, and sleeper cabs.
Spartech Extreme TPO sheet products are available worldwide.
About Spartech
Spartech Corporation is a leading producer of engineered thermoplastic sheet materials, polymeric compounds and concentrates, and engineered product solutions. The Company has facilities located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe with sales of approximately $1.5 billion, annually.
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Extreme is a trademark of Spartech Corporation.
® Korad is a registered trademark of Spartech Corporation
Spartech Marketing Contact:
Hari Mangalapalli
Spartech Corporation
Tel: (314) 889-8323
E-Mail: hari.mangalapalli@spartech.com
Spartech Media Contact:
Michelle Good
Spartech Corporation
Tel: (314) 889-8375
E-Mail: michelle.good@spartech.com