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Trelleborg’s (Trelleborg, Sweden) applied technologies operation has signed an agreement with Innovate Composites (Auckland, New Zealand) to be its distributor for its range of tooling solutions in New Zealand, including its dust-free tooling material, TC760X. This partnership will reportedly enable development of a stable supply chain within New Zealand, providing customers with locally available stock, country-based knowledge and high levels of local support.

“Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation has a proven track record of supplying really high-quality tooling materials,” notes Chris Mellow, director of Innovate Composites. “Our partnership with Trelleborg allows Innovate Composites to be at the forefront of tooling innovation, giving us the ability to offer a range of proven solutions with a much shorter lead time and to raise standards within the industry.”

According to Kerry Lyons, business development manager for Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation in Rochdale, U.K., the agreement is initially for three of the company’s tooling materials, EP678, EP700 and TC760X, supporting the requirement for locally available, easy to machine materials that improve downstream processing. “We have high expectations for future growth in this country,” she says.

TC760X is a low-density syntactic epoxy tooling board designed to facilitate direct-to-part tooling. Trelleborg says excess product comes off in large flakes rather than dust, significantly reducing residue on machinery. TC760X also maintains its shape at elevated temperatures with minimal cracking and edge chipping, which requires virtually no finishing and just four coats of sealant.

Established in 2019, Innovate Composites is a boutique composites facility delivering bespoke composite solutions, with experience in marine and industrial sectors.