S&E Specialty Polymers LLC, a leading manufacturer of specialty plastic compounds, has recently partnered with Amp Fins, LLC, a company that has developed a new patent-pending swim dive fin designed specifically for amputees called Amp Fin™

Lunenburg, MA -- (SBWire) -- 09/10/2015 --S&E Specialty Polymers LLC, a leading manufacturer of specialty plastic compounds, has recently partnered with Amp Fins, LLC of Maine, a company that has developed a new patent-pending swim dive fin designed specifically for amputees called Amp Fin™.

The initial mold concept for a swim dive fin would allow an amputee to swim as well or better than someone with their natural limb. The founders of Amp Fins, LLC had 7 years of design changes before they were happy with the performance of their product. Amp Fins, LLC filed for a patent in 2013 and have focused on finding the right molder and compounder for their product ever since. They are now building numerous molds to fit a wide range of users, and commercial launch is planned for Q4 2015.

One of the main challenges with developing the initial Amp Fin™ was the material. It needed to have the proper durometer to be soft enough to prevent chafing but firm enough to both make a strong push in the water and stand on itself without deforming. After selecting and consulting with their molder, it was recommended that Amp Fins LLC approach S&E Specialty Polymers to develop the compound. Lori Lord, President of Amp Fins LLC, visited S&E, took a tour of their facility and came away impressed. S&E not only proved their ability to create the correct compound in terms of color and durometer, they genuinely supported Amp Fins™ as a cause and threw their entire company's support behind it.

"I really believe that we have assembled the best team possible," says Lori Lord. "We have a group of companies that are not only at the forefront of their respective industries, but are also deeply committed to this product for conscientious and moral reasons. When a group of highly competent people get together who are committed to a meaningful cause, that's a real recipe for success."

"As a company, S&E Specialty Polymers has always prided itself in its commitment to its employees and to their community," says Duane Shooltz, President of S&E. "However, Amp Fins, LLC is not just a worthy cause to support. We believe it's also a phenomenal product. When you combine a good cause with a good product, it's really a win-win for everybody."

After making a few modifications during the molding trials, S&E developed the perfect compound for Amp Fins, LLC. The TPR/SEBS based material, TufPrene™ 4005C-80A, is just the right durometer, with enough memory and rigidity to keep its shape but enough softness to be comfortable. In addition, the compound is neutrally buoyant, is heat resistant, and is available in numerous colors. The design allows for a 100% power stroke in both directions, which allows the amputee to more efficiently and effectively swim than someone with both limbs intact. With the compound, along with the KEASY Cone and sleeve that fits the Amp Fin™ to the residual limb, the user can forget that the fin is not a part of you.

"The performance is off the charts," says Lori. "Thanks to both the efficiency of design and the material S&E developed, the fin is actually an improvement on the rocket fins used by the Navy SEALS."

About S&E Specialty Polymers
S&E Specialty Polymers is a premier specialty plastic compounder serving the automotive, wire and cable, battery/stored energy, consumer and footwear markets.  The company's products are also used extensively in general purpose molding and extrusion applications.  S&E produces PVC, TPE, TPO & TPR compounds including flame retardant polyolefin, flame retardant/low smoke PVC Plenum and low smoke zero halogen compounds.  The company is also a leading producer of flame retardant concentrates and compounds requiring exact color matching.
 
For more information please visit http://www.sespoly.com