TEXTILES.ORG
The French company Hexaflex has developed a patented padding technology based on hexagonal-pyramidal shapes molded with TPE, a recent release says.
The design uses a thermoplastic elastomer compound from KRAIBURG TPE and is intended to provide flexibility, lightweight and full articulation characteristics of the modular system for shock- and vibration-absorbing applications for sportswear, personal protection equipment, health care and other industries.
Hexaflex has created a dorsal protection product covered with high-strength aromatic polyamide stretch fabric for bikers and motorcyclists. The material combination is reported to act like a second skin and the Hexaflex padding, with its interlocking shapes in THERMOLAST®K, is designed to fully articulate to follow body motion while offering shock absorption.
The Hexaflex shapes can be molded in various sizes, thicknesses and in custom colors. The material has also been shown to minimize rebound when the padding is flexed, the company says. The design considered ease of recycling for consumers, as well as the absence of substances of very high concern (SVHC). The padding is said to be fully washable, waterproof and breathable, due to integrated ventilation.
The Hexaflex technology is patented in Europe, China and the U.S., and has been certified to EN 1621-2 Level 1 for back/spine protectors and EN 1621-1 Level 2 for all other body armor. In underfloor applications, Hexaflex can reduce structure-borne noise by 23 dB, according to the company.
Hexaflex is planning to extend the technology to other sportswear, including knee and elbow pads for skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and horseback riding. The company also sees application possibilities in personal protection equipment, from helmet inserts to breathable harnesses, as well as in anti-vibration floor padding and various health care products.
With production sites in Germany, the U.S. and Malaysia, KRAIBURG TPE offers a broad range of thermoplastic elastomer compounds for applications in the automotive, industrial, consumer and medical sectors.
Hexaflex, based in Bernay, France, specializes in shock absorption, anti-vibration and comfort with a focus on applications in sportswear and personal protection equipment, such as body protectors, knee and elbow guards, and safety helmets.