Page 42 - Plastics News August 2020

PRESS RELEASE

AZLA earpieces hit the right notes with KRAIBURG TPE

South Korea-based audio devices company AZLA has SednaEarfit XELASTEC uses TPE that complies with US
produced its earpieces from thermoplastic elastomer FDA regulations (raw material conformity)-Code of
(TPE) compounds and co-branded it with KRAIBURG Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21 and standard EN71/3
TPE, a recognized global leader in superior TPE as well as EU Regulation No. 10/2011, allowing for safety
compounds. The material provides excellent of use.
processability and ensures high wearing comfort.
Since the earpieces are in direct contact with the
At the heart of the audio devices sound quality and delicate ear canal for a prolonged period of time,
listening experience is the earpiece, a vital component KRAIBURG TPE's materials were selected not only for
in earphones. When South Korean manufacturer of their specific acoustic properties but also suitability for
earphones and audio devices, AZLA, was seeking a skin contact.
material for its latest SednaEarfit XELASTEC earpiece, it
In addition, with its high transparency, resilience to
selected a high-quality thermoplastic elastomer from
weathering and chemicals as well as hypoallergenic
KRAIBURG TPE to achieve the ultimate fit for the properties and low compression set makes KRAIBURG
earpiece, while maintaining the sound quality. TPE's material is the perfect choice for the SednaEarfit
XELASTEC is AZLA's first earpiece that is fully made of
XELASTEC.
thermoplastic elastomers.
Soft-touch feel for comfort
AZLA CEO Mr. Ashulley Lee said, “Based on our research
we discovered that the average usage time for truly KRAIBURG TPE's compounds feature a soft-touch feel
wireless stereos (TWS) and earphones is getting longer. that provides comfort to the wearer. The TPE material
In 2019, we decided to develop the XELASTEC earpiece also provides flexibility and elasticity to allow for an
that can be worn for a long period of time with no stress exacting fit to the ear, with improved sound insulation.
to the ear.” SednaEarfit XELASTEC is able to retain its original shape
Mr. Ashulley Lee added, “We sourced for many materials at room temperature, but gently changes its shape when
and after thorough research decided that KRAIBURG it is placed on the ear by exaggerating an active reaction
TPE's compounds provided good material properties and of molecules with an individual's body temperature, thus
comply with international safety standards. We worked perfectly fitting the contour of the ear.
closely with KRAIBURG TPE in developing the XELASTEC Also the TPE compound has improved the fit of the
earpiece.” earpiece by holding the earphone nozzle tightly with
AZLA designed the XELASTEC earpiece by analyzing minimized resonance.
samples of ear canals and utilized this information to The easy assembly of SednaEarfit XELASTEC earpiece
develop a perfect earpiece fit for earphones, thus with the earphone makes it convenient for the user. With
improving the sound insulation. all these features, the XELASTEC earpiece, together
KRAIBURG TPE's soft and pliable TPE material is used to with earphone, provide for a comfortable listening
maximize the performance of the audio device by experience.
reducing housing vibrations as well as providing a superb
and comfortable fit for the ear. The TPEs are
characterized by high durability, high elasticity and
rebound resilience, non-toxic properties, good fatigue
resistance and excellent temperature tolerance.
Throughout the development of the XELASTEC earpiece
about 182,000 earpieces and 12 trial molds were
studied. Mr. Ashulley Lee emphasizes, “We invested in a
considerable amount of time and effort in the
development of the XELASTEC earpiece to meet the
exacting standards and requirements.”

In compliance with standards

August 2020 40 Plastics News