In today’s wearable smart devices market, the margin for differentiation is slim. Wearables must exhibit exemplary sensory experiences to meet the demands of the modern consumer. To consistently deliver on these expectations, consumer device manufacturers need high-performance materials for wearables. Tecnoflon® FKM is Syensqo’s family of fluoroelastomers that are specially designed with a unique combination of performance properties and unrivaled haptics for durable, high-quality wearable bands and straps and superior consumer experience.
Key Industry Requirements for Wearable Devices
As the range of utility continues to expand for smart devices, modern bands and straps must deliver a premium texture that feels silky and soft to the touch, as well as provide excellent resilience and durability for daily use in a wide range of conditions. Additionally, wearable accessories, such as wristbands and straps, must demonstrate sweat, stain and UV resistance due to their likely exposure to active, outdoor environments. These materials also need to resist most cosmetic chemicals for exceptionally long-term durability and easy cleaning. Wearable component designers must also consider the customization and compatibility needs of industry manufacturers to offer aesthetic flexibility and design freedom and deliver broad colorability.
Excellent Haptics with Tecnoflon® FKM
Syensqo’s Tecnoflon® FKM provides wearable component manufacturers with best-in-class haptics for applications such as smart watch bands and straps. This advanced fluoroelastomer offers a soft and silky aesthetic and delivers an ultra-comfortable premium feel to the consumer. Its intrinsic properties include a dense, high-quality sensory experience for improved fit and comfort. Tecnoflon® FKM remains a choice material by high-quality watch band manufacturers, as it offers a unique combination of sweat, stain and UV resistance to endure an extensive range of daily activities and environments.
Superior Performance Properties of Tecnoflon® FKM
The inherent properties of Tecnoflon® FKM contribute to an abundance of performance benefits for wearable bands and straps. In addition to unrivaled haptics, Tecnoflon® FKM offers superior suppleness than comparable materials for an easier, one-wrist clasp. The soft and silky materials made with Tecnoflon® FKM support reduced band abrasion while simultaneously delivering a more robust, tear-resistant solution. Additionally, this high-performance fluoroelastomer offers broad colorability for wearable wristband manufacturers to easily match popularly demanded colors.
Optimal Compliance and Compatibility with Tecnoflon® FKM
Syensqo’s Tecnoflon® FKM grades are REACH-compliant and select grades have been submitted for ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing. As the industry-leading fluoroelastomer for wearable devices, Tecnoflon® FKM meets the current high standards for cytotoxicity, systemic toxicity, intracutaneous studies, maximization sensitization studies and physicochemical tests.
