SABIC Innovative Plastics Tough Lexan* Sheet for Train Window Frames Helps Plexx Stay on Track with Lower Costs and Streamlined Production
Summary
Pittsfield, MA, December 01, 2010 --( “We had two main goals in upgrading from SMC to Lexan F6000 sheet: cutting the cost of the window frames and developing a much improved product for market differentiation,” said Arild S. Johnson, managing director, Plexx AS.Because Lexan F6000 sheet is approximately 30 percent lighter than traditional SMC, window frames for railway carriages made with the material can potentially contribute to fuel conservation.SABIC Innovative Plastics is helping customers succeed in the highly competitive transportation sector with advanced solutions that provide high performance, system cost savings, and superior end-product differentiation vs. thermoset materials.“We had two main goals in upgrading from SMC to Lexan F6000 sheet: cutting the cost of the window frames and developing a much improved product for market differentiation,” said Arild S. Johnson, managing director, Plexx AS.Molded-in color avoids the need for secondary operations such as painting and sanding; thermoforming does not require gluing or hand work; and the material does not need a curing step – all of which were required with SMC frames.“Our Lexan F6000 sheet is already widely used in the aircraft industry because it offers exceptional flame-retardant performance, outstanding impact strength, and a very attractive appearance,” said Lennard Markestein, global marketing director, Specialty Film & Sheet, SABIC Innovative Plastics.The company also customized the flame retardance of the material to comply with fire/smoke/toxicity (FST) standards mandated in Norway.For additional information on SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Lexan F6000 sheet products, please go to www.sabic-ip.com.