Oct 16 2007
Recognizing the role industrial designers play in material specification, ExxonMobil Chemical has launched a new website, www.materialexperience.com, to connect designers to Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). The site officially will be launched at the "Connecting '07 World Design Congress - Connecting to People and to Ideas," being held October 17-20 in San Francisco.
"This new website is an enlightening gateway for industrial designers into the imaginative and innovative world of Santoprene TPVs," said Chris Lefteri, international materials and design expert.
Through the launch of the new website, ExxonMobil Chemical aims to strengthen its ties with designers and provide them with support and advice to enable a product to move from 'art to part.'
"Designers often have the first say in material selection which provides the spark to a part's lifecycle," said Lefteri. The website will be updated regularly to provide the latest information in the areas of design, materials and production.
Based on designers' practice of collecting a variety of points of inspiration and reference, the concept for the site is a series of 'cards,' grouped under the four 'pillars' of: Inspiration, Exploration, Close-Up and Making It. Designers are invited to be inspired, to explore new possibilities, and consult case studies that showcase innovative product designs using Santoprene TPVs.
The cards can be collected and viewed together in "My Sketchbook," a unique feature that enables designers to build their own database as an ongoing reference and share designs with colleagues and clients. This feature also allows designers to match the physical properties of Santoprene TPVs, such as outstanding sealability, fluid resistance, or FDA compliance with essential product design specifications.
From a design perspective, Santoprene TPVs are also about soft touch, smooth grips and bonding to hard materials. Feel and tactility are crucial for the designer to really grasp the design opportunities. As nothing beats the real feel of the material, a set of samples can be ordered online.
"The website provides clear, time-saving information about using Santoprene TPVs for innovative design. ExxonMobil is helping designers better understand the unique benefits of these specialty elastomers and providing support in bringing inspirational designs to completion," said Laurence Krajewski, market development manager, ExxonMobil Chemical TPEs.