AIME 2010: Kydex launches new injection moulding resin

“The KYDEX FST-IM is an injection molding resin designed to work with KYDEX thermoplastic sheet on any parts that would typically be injection molded,” says Ronn Court, International Business Manager. “The advantage to getting both from KYDEX is that you can precisely match colours and textures. Typically when you’re using injection molding and thermoplastic sheet together, the colours will not match. The secondary advantage is the opportunity for single-sourcing through KYDEX.”

The FST-IM is available in small production runs of 25kg or more and is compliant to Airbus ABD0031 and Boeing D6-51377 requirements.

Thermoplastic sheets specifically produced for aircraft interiors by the US based company include the Kydex 6787 LT.

“This was developed in direct response to the commercial seating suppliers that have contracts for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner ‘catalog seat’ programme,” says Cort. “There was a need to supply these companies with a compliant material that could be produced in very small runs of custom colours.  The 6787 was developed for these customers. It is a proprietary acrylic/PVC blend that can be thermoformed into complex shapes with very low tooling and fabrication costs. With a price and performance index similar to our popular Kydex 6565 material, this material is a step up in compliance without any significant costs increase compared to our Kydex 6565 material.

The sheet meets with Boeing toxicity requirements for cabin interior components like seating, tray tables and literature pockets.

“The KYDEX FST sheet our most popular sheet for modern aircraft interiors and is available in the emerging colours and finishes, including a brushed metal texture, required for Airbus A350, Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 applications.

All our thermoplastic sheets are suited to applications requiring such properties as fire retardance, chemical resistance, formability and high impact resistance. We provide a fast set-up and turnaround with the ability to handle small runs, short lead times and custom orders cost-effectively,” says Cort.

KYDEX customers include B/E Aerospace, Contour Premium Aircraft Seating, Sicma, Recaro, Weber and Geven.