Chem-Trend Release Agent Enhances New Spray-skin Technology

New Additions to the Pura® family of products provides consistent, cleaner release sought by automotive interior component manufacturers and makers of ATVs and similar outdoor vehicles

HOWELL, Mich., March 16, 2009 – Chem-Trend, a global manufacturer of release agents and other process chemical specialties for the polyurethane and other manufacturing industries, announced today that it has introduced the Pura® 1500 family of products designed to enhance the molding process of aromatic polyurethane spray-skin technology.

Spray-skin technology is being used more frequently in automotive interiors and for seating on All Terrain Vehicles, snowmobiles and Personal Watercraft due to its ability to create a thin, durable polyurethane “soft touch” surface that can be back-foamed for these applications. The technology also allows component manufacturers to give a texture to the skin such as simulating the grain of leather, which greatly enhances part appearance and finish.

Spray-skin technology places specific technical demands upon a release agent.  Automotive components, such as dashboards and door panels, typically require very low gloss levels and high consistency standards.  These high standards of consistency are necessary to match other vehicle interior components in final assembly such as steering wheels, armrests, glove box doors and airbag covers. The release agent plays a vital role in consistently controlling the gloss level obtained on the final part. Additionally, proper release is extremely important to maintain the integrity of the finished product.

Chem-Trend Pura® 1500 Family

As the Pura® 1500 line was designed to be used with or without in-mold coatings and paints; the product also exhibits excellent performance for Integral Skin applications. 

Chem-Trend officially launched this new line in the Pura® 1500 family in 2008 after extensive lab testing and benchmarking.

The Pura® 1500 family of products was developed in response to these specific needs. Properties of the new line include:

• Excellent release and a consistent surface appearance for complex molding applications
• Low gloss characteristics with the capability to adjust gloss levels to match specific customer needs
• Low mar (change in surface appearance when a part is scuffed)
• Compatible with or without in-mold coatings
• Improved  part paintability in touchup situations
• Low build up rates to extend mold cleaning cycles

 

About Chem-Trend: Chem-Trend is a global organization with sales offices in 17 countries and distributors in more than 50 countries that are supported by their headquarters in Michigan and manufacturing sites on five continents. Chem-Trend has a singular focus of formulating and manufacturing innovative chemical specialties for use in the die casting, rotational molding, general rubber, polyurethane, tire, thermoplastics and composites industries. By becoming directly involved in the customer's process Chem-Trend applies its knowledge and development expertise to provide the customer with customized solutions to problems and to improve productivity.  At the core of its business are industry-standard mold release agents, die lubricants and purging compounds engineered to maximize productivity while delivering high-quality finished parts.