July 2008

Users of thermoplastic polyurethanes from Bayer MaterialScience have something to look forward to, because starting right now, they can find comprehensive processing information and material specifications for their plastic at a single Internet address – www.tpe-u.com. With the totally redesigned site, the Bayer MaterialScience Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Business Unit (TPU) puts an end to isolated solutions, providing customers with all the information they need, in German and English, at a single click.

Specialized information for every need
The "Processing" section – probably the most important for TPU customers – gives valuable practical advice on product storage, the pretreatment of Desmopan® and Texin™ granules, coloring options, and waste management. Users also can find tips on injection molding and extrusion, as well as information on specific processing methods.

The "Products" section helps customers to select the right TPU grade. Among other things, it contains comprehensive descriptions of the grades available, detailed product features and current data sheets from Bayer MaterialScience, all in a concise and clearly structured format. Graphs and tables help users to navigate quickly through the wide-ranging information, for example when it comes to nomenclature and property profiles. Customers who would like to use the reliable services of an accredited testing center can access the Bayer MaterialScience Thermoplastics Testing Center electronically. Furthermore, many of the TPU grades have further links to supplementary literature.

Engineers and developers can click on the "Applications" tab at www.tpe-u.com to view numerous practical examples from the "Automotive," "Industrial/Mechanical" and "Sport & Leisure" segments, which illustrate how to exploit the advantages of Desmopan® and Texin™. "These examples are only intended to give customers ideas," says Katja Rottmaier, head of the Internet project at TPU. "The unique features of thermoplastic polyurethanes include their diversity and versatility. The properties of an end product can be customized by skillfully selecting the raw materials and fitting them together like building blocks. But going beyond the simple raw material, we also offer numerous services. We see ourselves as a solution provider for our customers."