high-ductility Eastar® copolyester chosen for new crystal-clear caps for Schneider's Gel-TOPS

25-Feb-2002

Schneider Schreibgeräte (Germany) has selected Eastman Chemical Company's clear Eastar® copolyester for the caps of their new line of Gel-TOPS writing instruments. The copolyester met the key requirements that included high clarity, high ductility, abrasion resistance and good flow. Gel-TOPS is a range of cost-efficient and value-optimized pens featuring a stainless steel tip, integrated bar coding and gel inks in various colors in a transparent housing and cap. The caps are manufactured in a 10-cavity cold-runner injection mold using Eastar® copolyester, an exceptionally clear and tough resin offering a proven combination of flexibility and stiffness with chemical and scratch resistance. Next to pens, typical applications include cosmetics and personal care packaging, flashlight lenses, refrigerator interiors, toys and sports equipment as well as housewares and toothbrushes.

As a critical function of the Gel-TOPS application, Eastar® copolyester ensures the essential high-ductile elasticity to maintain the reliable snap-fit of the cap on the pen body, including a reassuring subtle click, even after 1,000 cycles of opening and closing. Similar requirements apply to the flexible grip and impact strength of the molded-in clip on repeated insertion and removal in and out of jacket pockets, etc. Schneider offers its Gel-TOPS in four (document proof) standard as well as six pastel, six fluorescent and seven metallic colors. The gel ink technology is similar to that of roller pen inks, except for the additional use of xanthane gum which gives the ink a particular thixotropic property-releasing it from the gel structure when the roller ball is moved during writing and restoring the gel seal as the ball stops. All inks are water-based, including water-soluble dyes or pigmentation. After passing comprehensive market trials in Germany, the Gel-TOPS product line was approved for worldwide sales in mid-2001. Beyond permitting a clear view on the gel ink at long-life scratch and abrasion resistance, Eastar® copolyester also provides high surface gloss, emphasizing the added-value appearance of these novelty pens.

Schneider, headquartered at Tennenbronn in the Black Forest, is the first European pen supplier to offer gel ink pens manufactured in-house, including the inks and the engineering design of the mold. Founded in 1938, the company was among the world's first manufacturers of writing instruments to use thermoplastic pen housings. The comprehensive portfolio spans from ballpoint, fine liner and fountain pens to various markers and stationery as well as pen refills and cartridges, where Schneider is Germany's market leader.

Eastar® copolyesters are a range of glycol- or acid-modified polyesters with incorporated mold release. It has been specifically tailored to prevent crystallization and thus offers a wider processing window over conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. High melt strength, reduced drying requirements and excellent flowability make Eastar® copolyester a reliable choice for economic and high-productivity molding. The material is also code 1 recyclable and FDA compliant for food-contact applications.

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