Feb 1 2013
A great spa experience begins with a reliable spa cabinet.
The pictured outer spa cabinet for Dynasty Spas was formed by Romeo RIM, Inc. with Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Baydur® STR 675 polyurethane system.
When Dynasty Spas needed an attractive, cost-effective and durable material that also streamlined assembly, it turned to a polyurethane-based spa cabinet solution from Romeo RIM, Inc.
“Our Long Fiber Injection (LFI) process uses Bayer’s polyurethane system to manufacture a one-piece-per-wall spa cabinet with the superb impact resistance and stylish finish that Dynasty Spas desired,” said Matt Getty, business unit manager, Consumer Products, Romeo RIM, Inc.
Sections of the outer spa cabinet are formed via the LFI process using the Baydur® STR 675 polyurethane system from Bayer MaterialScience LLC, which contributes to an attractive appearance along with significant production and processing advantages over traditional synthetic materials. LFI with polyurethane offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability, as well as impact, heat and chemical resistance. The larger cabinet sections possible through the LFI process also simplify assembly over that of traditional extruded polystyrene boards. Previously, several of the narrow extruded polystyrene boards needed to be assembled tongue and groove fashion to make one, large side panel for a spa cabinet. In contrast, LFI panels are molded as one side panel – eliminating the need for any extra wood ties, fasteners, glue, staples or other materials used in the polystyrene production process. This results in a more efficient, cost-effective method for producing the panels.
“This spa cabinet illustrates several benefits of the LFI process, including the ability to mold large, complex parts that are damage resistant, can withstand the elements and also increase ease of assembly – boosting manufacturing efficiency,” said Harry George, manager, New Applications, Polyurethanes, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.
“The spa cabinet produced by Romeo RIM utilizing Bayer’s polyurethane system has helped us redefine spa ownership by making the purchase and maintenance of a spa simpler and more affordable, while delivering models that set an industry standard for appealing features, quality construction and durability,” said Steve Busscher, vice president, engineering, Dynasty Spas in Athens, Tenn.
To see a part of the spa cabinet and learn more about the benefits of polyurethane materials, visit Bayer’s booth, #1033, at Composites 2013 in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 29-31, 2013.