SEKISUI SPI, HAECO Cabin Solutions, and Core Technology Molding Corporation worked together to prototype KYDEX® 6565IM for AIX 2019. HAECO Cabin Solutions designed the part with KYDEX® thermoplastics, SEKISUI SPI provided the R&D resources, and Core Technology supported this development by expediting tooling and part production.
Partnership across the supply chain
HAECO Cabin Solutions is the first company to use KYDEX® IM materials in an aviation application with their new amenity door, which they designed specifically to feature at the EXPO. Ben Smalley, SEKISUI SPI’s Aviation Market Business Manager explains, “This is a perfect example of what is possible when companies within the supply chain join forces. HAECO showed admirable initiative in seeking out an opportunity for working with new materials and partnered with SPI and Core Technology to make it happen. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
HAECO was eager to explore ways to eliminate visible inconsistencies when using different materials side by side. They hoped to find one supplier with the ability to provide the same materials using different technologies. “Once we knew it was possible to achieve a seamless appearance, we were eager to design a part utilizing this material.” said Jose Pevida, HAECO’s SVP of Engineering and Product Development.
Benefits beyond aesthetics
When aviation interior materials are from different sources, realizing visual consistency among materials can be extremely difficult. Because KYDEX® IM materials are specifically engineered to match KYDEX® thermoformed parts, they contribute to the overall seamless aesthetic.
“Matching thermoformed parts to injection moulding parts has been burdensome for some in the industry,” continues Smalley, “And finding sources within the supply chain that can meet quality and delivery demands can be equally challenging.”
KYDEX® injection moulding materials are a PVC/PMMA alloy and share the same physical properties as KYDEX® Thermoplastic sheet. KYDEX® injection moulding resins, KYDEX® 6565IM and KYDEX® T-IM, are available in both fully compliant and vertical burn compliant options:
- KYDEX® T-IM: high performance, injection molding compound with integral colour, engineered with the same properties as KYDEX® T Thermoplastic sheet. This product meets the 12- and 60-second vertical burn requirements and FAR 25.853 (a).
- KYDEX® 6565IM: high performance, injection molding compound with integral colour. Meets flammability and smoke development requirements outlined in FAR 25.853 (a) and (d).
About Core Technology Molding Corporation
Through innovation in technology and operations, Core Technology Molding Corporation is "Molding Your Imagination" while utilizing the existing assets, businesses, and resources to discover new solutions by fostering the creativity of our people and our customers. By combining their expertise in injection molding, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing, the company has the ability to offer lower pricing by removing costs from the manufacturing process. Core Technology Molding Corporation is a certified MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) by the Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Development Councils, Inc., which is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Inc. Visit https://www.coretechnologycorp.com/ for more information.
About HAECO Cabin Solutions
HAECO Cabin Solutions is a unit of the HAECO Group of companies, offering comprehensive cabin interiors products and services. HAECO Cabin Solutions, certified by the FAA with Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), provides interiors design engineering, certification services and retrofit project integration on all aircraft types and on fleets of all sizes. HAECO Cabin Solutions also manufactures many interiors products, including high-reliability Vector™ seats, fuel-saving lightweight, galleys, lavatories, crew rest modules and life raft stowage. For more information, visit https://www.HAECO.aero/ or visit stand 5D10.
About SEKISUI SPI
SEKISUI SPI is a global thermoplastics leader that is changing manufacturing for the 21st century by challenging how to think, design, and create as a master supplier. Fueled by a team of over 300 dedicated professionals, SEKISUI SPI serves customers in 34 countries across a diverse spectrum of major industries including aviation, transportation, medical, agriculture and heavy equipment, and industrial equipment housings. With the collective power of KYDEX® and ALLEN® Thermoplastics product brands, we provide a unique understanding that is built on deeper perspectives resulting in better solutions for all. SEKISUI SPI is part of SEKISUI Chemical Company, an $11 billion global leader in plastics and chemicals. Visit https://sekisui-spi.com/ or stand 5D40 for more information.