Jul 27 2005
What is 12 feet tall, self-supporting, green and rippling all over? It isn't a comic book superhero. This is a green, plastic outdoor wall constructed by students at Georgia Tech's College of Architecture using Eastman's Kelvx resin.
"After researching many different thermoplastic options, Kelvx ultimately emerged as the best choice for such a demanding project," said Tristan Al-Haddad, graduate student at Georgia Tech's College of Architecture. "Kelvx can be manipulated in a forgiving way and gives formability, clarity, strength and ductility without the need for pre-drying."
The entire project, including research, development and construction lasted about five months. Graduate students in professor Monica Ponce De Leon's design of digital manufacturing course produced and installed 80 panels, measuring 24 inches by 24 inches by 10 inches, in about two weeks. With its fluid design and hanging curtain appearance, the completed structure measures 12 feet high, 36 feet long and 8 feet wide.
"We are pleased that Georgia Tech chose Kelvx resin as a base material for their architectural design project," said Jorge Cortes, Eastman global business market manager for heavy gauge sheet. "The variation in shape within each panel showcases Kelvx's impeccable capability to thermoform without compromising clarity and brilliance."
Kelvx is a versatile material that provides long-term durability and temperature resistance for outdoor applications such as signs and architectural glazing products. Sheet made with Kelvx resin expands design options, while providing manufacturing flexibility, chemical and impact resistance, ease of fabrication and superior thermoforming characteristics-all of which can yield product differentiation, cost savings and complete satisfaction for converters and customers.
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