Soft-touch, overmoldable TPEs from KRAIBURG for wrist-hand orthosis design
Last update on May 20, 2026
Wrist injuries linked to repetitive movements and prolonged device use are a known challenge in occupational and rehabilitative medicine. Orthoses – custom-fitted braces and splints that support bones, tendons, joints, and soft tissues – address this by guiding wrist movement, restoring function, and reducing the risk of further damage. As the biomedical sector moves away from rigid materials, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have become an increasingly adopted material class for wrist-hand orthoses, offering a softer interface and adjustable stiffness profiles.
KRAIBURG TPE's THERMOLAST® H series is formulated for orthotic and assistive applications. According to the company, the compounds meet orthotic standards and deliver the combination of durability, flexibility, and moldability required for customized fit.
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Smooth touch for functional and user-interface parts
For user-interface components – adjustment buttons, rotary knobs, and soft-touch contact zones – the THERMOLAST® H series provides the tactile performance and precise mechanical behavior required in orthotic applications. The supplier reports consistent tactile feel after repeated use, alongside good colorability for functional differentiation across device components.
Multi-material device architectures present a specific bonding challenge. KRAIBURG TPE states that THERMOLAST® H compounds adhere reliably to polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), enabling overmolding onto rigid orthosis components while maintaining dimensional stability under repeated mechanical stress – a relevant consideration for adjustment interfaces subject to high-cycle use.
Sterilization compatibility is a non-negotiable criterion in healthcare applications. According to KRAIBURG TPE, THERMOLAST® H withstands autoclaving at 121°C and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization. The series is reported to comply with GB 4806.7-2023, GB/T 16886.5, ISO 10993-5, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, and US FDA CFR 21, covering applications involving prolonged skin contact and medical device interfaces. The compounds contain no animal-derived ingredients.
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On sustainability, KRAIBURG TPE states, "At KRAIBURG TPE, sustainability drives our innovation. Our portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions. We proudly earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action. From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, our sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support your applications while advancing your sustainability goals."
You can review the full THERMOLAST® product range, compare grades, and request samples directly in the Master Catalog of Plastics.