Essentially Rubber: Virtual reality

Leading-edge designs and applications showing how elastomer materials contribute to all aspects of life and lifestyle in the 21st century:

Kraiburg TPE has highlighted the role of its thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in virtual reality (VR) devices. Applications, it said, include enhancing comfort and functionality in VR headset seals, controller grips, straps and face cover pads. In particular, Kraiburg TPE said its RC/AD1/AP series offers manufacturers the flexibility to mould a “comfortable, face-hugging seal for users” that helps maintain image quality. Manufacturers, it added, can combine rigid plastics with the TPEs to achieve haptic contrast in applications such as head straps, controller buttons, and grips. The “non-sticky and soft-touch” material also provides a comfortable and pleasant experience for the user. Additionally, the series is claimed to support “cost-efficient overmoulding processes, allowing material placement directly onto the housing.”