Syensqo’s Ixef PARA resin selected for Artiphon’s intuitive Chorda instrument

Syensqo has announced that Nashville-based Artiphon has selected Ixef polyaramid (PARA) resin to mold the housing and keyboard of its new electronic musical instrument, the Chorda.

The device’s unique capacitive sensor pad required a material that would match the keyboard’s tactile properties while also providing the long-term durability and aesthetics expected of a high-quality handheld instrument.

The Chorda features an advanced synthesizer and sampling engine, and an enhanced interface with a 12-key bridge that utilizes capacitive sensing technology for multiple finger interactions.

"Handheld devices that are operated by touch and subject to frequent wear and tear require high strength, stiffness and dimensional stability to ensure long life without losing functionality and appeal," said Federico Baruffi, Global Marketing Manager for Specialty Polymers at Syensqo.

"Our Ixef PARA resins provide Artiphon with the perfect combination of high surface quality, scratch and warp resistance, and the right tactile feel to support the intuitive approach of a smart electronic instrument."

"We built Chorda with three core values in mind: ease of use, versatility and immediacy," said Adam McHeffey, Chief Marketing Officer at Artiphon. "At the same time, the long-lasting design of this sensory instrument led us to search for a cost-effective plastic material that strikes the right balance between robustness and high quality to maximize years of playing pleasure. It turns out that Ixef® materials from Syensqo offer the best performance to achieve all of these features."