Jun 14 2007
B/E Aerospace, the world's leading manufacturer of aircraft interior cabin products, turned to Solvay Advanced Polymers for help in creating a new enhanced video bezel for the luxury upgrade to the interior of Emirates' B777 aircraft. B/E Aerospace chose Radel(R) R polyphenylsulfone from Solvay Advanced Polymers to fabricate the video monitor unit due to its processability, surface qualities and exceptional heat and flame resistance. That performance also includes meeting the strict flammability, heat release and smoke density benchmarks of the Federal Aviation Administration for aircraft interiors.
"Solvay is a longtime, valued partner and our experience working with Radel R was key in selecting it to help Emirates realize their cabin vision," explained Luis Jimenez, Senior Program Manager at B/E Aerospace. "It is one of only a handful of plastics that work in this application and we knew Radel R would perform well in the critical areas necessary for aerospace. Specifically, the resin can achieve the complexity of shape necessary in high- end applications such as the video bezel. More importantly, its exceedingly high flame resistance meets the regulatory requirements as prescribed by the FAA."
Emirates is an international airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The airline has earned a reputation as a luxury carrier with a focus on passenger comfort and high-end service. When it recently revamped its seating units, it wanted a new bezel for its video display monitors that imitated the look of burled maple. Emirates turned to B/E Aerospace and Solvay Advanced Polymers to create it.
"Radel R is a uniquely suited polymer for the demanding needs of aerospace design and manufacturing," commented Nick Malkovich, Global Market Manager, Solvay Advanced Polymers. "It can maintain the tight tolerances and dimensional stability required of complex components, yet also meets the exacting standards of FAA interior cabin regulations. It is in this type of customer engagement that one can see up close the promise and benefit advanced plastics bring to top design challenges."