Innovative iCorners™ utilize polycarbonate to protect mobile devices from drop and scratch damage

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- We live in a fast-paced world. With many demands on our time and people leading active lives, it makes sense that technology has adapted to this lifestyle. Portable technologies, like iPads® and iPhones ®, have enabled us to stay in touch and online while on the go. All of this hustling and bustling increases the odds that your device can be dropped, knocked around and damaged. Simple Innovations LLC created iCorners™ to protect iPads® and iPhones® from damage due to dropping.

When searching for the ideal material to create its iCorners™, Simple Innovations LLC turned to Bayer MaterialScience LLC and specifically Makrolon^® polycarbonate. Makrolon^® 2407 polycarbonate satisfied Simple Innovations LLC's need for a material that was clear and tough. From a processing perspective, the UV-stabilized grade also offers easy release from the mold and low viscosity. 

"We were looking for a material with exceptional physical and mechanical properties that was already proven in demanding applications. We wanted our product to be made out of one of the most advanced polycarbonates on the planet," said Vladimir Kulenok, engineer, Simple Innovations LLC. "We chose Bayer because of its reputation for excellence and broad material portfolio."

iCorners™ were developed to protect the iPad^® body and screen without compromising the design. This is achieved by keeping most of the tablet housing exposed and only covering the very corners of the device with transparent, protective pieces. The iCorners™ are designed in such a way that they provide scratch and drop damage protection to the screen glass and tablet housing.

"Bayer's involvement with Simple Innovations LLC and the iCorners™ product is in line with Bayer's focus on the future. iCorners™ are a solution for a modern-day issue that will continue as consumers become more dependent on mobile devices. Our work with Simple Innovations illustrates how designers and OEMs rely on our Makrolon^® polycarbonate to create products to solve current and future challenges," said Bruce Fine, consumer products and medical market segment leader, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

When using an Apple^® iPad^® Smart Cover^® for example, iCorners™ do not interfere with the cover's functioning but rather enhance its use by adding drop damage protection and housing scratch protection.

Currently available iCorners™ can be used with the iPad Air™ and iPad mini™ with Retina^® display models. A newly released iCorners™ version is compatible with the iPhone^® 5/5s.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2013 sales of 11.2 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience, a Bayer Group company, manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC's business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

About Simple Innovations LLC:

Simple Innovations LLC is a Massachusetts-based, privately owned, U.S. company dedicated to developing innovative solutions.

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC polycarbonate materials and technologies, call 1-800-662-2927, email [email protected] or visit www.plastics.bayer.com.

For more information about Simple Innovations LLC, call (413) 289-4564, email [email protected] or visit http://icorners.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

iCorners™ were developed to protect iPad^® and iPhone^® bodies and screens from damage without compromising the design. The product's transparent look and strength were made possible by Makrolon^® 2407 polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

SOURCE Bayer MaterialScience LLC