What's New at Vi-Chem Corporation:

Vi-Chem Introduces Environmentally Friendly Spectra® TPO
For Large, Colored, Exterior Parts
Provides Weatherable, High-Gloss Color Capability with Scratch and Impact Resistance

Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 31, 2008

Vi-Chem Corp. today announced the introduction of Spectra® TPO compounds, a proprietary plastic compound designed for large exterior applications where color matching is critical.

Recognizing the importance of sustainable manufacturing processes, the Grand Rapids, Mich. manufacturer of engineered plastic compounds developed Spectra TPO as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to painting plastic parts. By eliminating painting, manufacturers can achieve cost savings of up to 50 percent and eliminate the volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, created by the process. The stability of the Spectra TPO products allows them to be recycled after they have completed their ‘first life.’

Spectra TPO is ideal for use in exterior weatherable products that allow large, colored-part manufacturing without the need for expensive painting, even for automotive metallics. The new compounds will deliver exceptionally cost-effective parts such as automotive body side moldings, wheel lip moldings, rocker panels, body panels for RVs, industrial equipment and utility vehicles, as well as other high-gloss colored parts.

“Vi-Chem has been matching colors for the automotive industry for more than 20 years, primarily to automotive exterior paint,” said William Greer, sales and marketing manager. “This expertise has been translated to the Spectra TPO line and will carry over to a variety of other non-automotive industries as well. We anticipate that our customers will see significant cost savings over painting, not to mention the elimination of the environmental issues associated with that process.”

The Spectra TPO family of compounds includes products developed for manufacturing parts produced by extrusion and injection molding manufacturing. They have tailored flow capability that allows large part production. When processed as an extruded sheet, the resulting blanks can be thermoformed or vacuum formed using conventional methods. They are also are designed to allow coloring to match most paint colors, including automotive metallics with special effect pigments.

“With Spectra TPO, OEMs can achieve gloss levels of up to 95 percent and excellent depth of image through the use of polished tools,” Greer said. “The color and gloss hold of the Spectra TPO family is outstanding, providing five- to 10-year exterior weatherability.

“In addition, the scratch and mar resistance rivals that of some painted systems. If the part does get scratched, you see gloss reduction, not flaking, peeling or a different color substrate like you get with paint. The impact properties of the Spectra TPO materials are also excellent, exceeding that of painted TPO, providing ductility even at cold temperatures.”

About Vi-Chem
Vi-Chem Corp. is a leading producer of thermoplastic elastomers, TPO and vinyl compounds for the automotive, office furniture, building and construction, recreational and other industries. Additional technical information on Vi-Chem is available at www.vichem.com or by contacting Vi-Chem’s customer service department at either custserv@vichem.com or (800) 477.8501.
 

For Further Information Contact William K. Greer at Vi-Chem:
616.247.8501
wgreer@vichem.com

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