Victrex APTIV^™ film meets stringent Federal Aviation
Authority flame requirements for aircraft insulation systems

To meet the new FAA fuselage "burn-through" barrier requirement for all new aircraft manufactured after September 1, 2009, commercial aircraft producers and insulation manufacturers are actively developing new lightweight thermal acoustic blanket (TAB) insulation systems constructed with APTIV™ PEEK-based covering film.

"The APTIV™ covering film provides an insulation solution that meets the FAA's new performance requirements while giving the airlines a lighter weight solution versus traditional PVF covering films," said John Getz, Commercial Manager of the APTIV Films business. "Victrex is pleased to support this new application area and we are well prepared to meet increasing material demand now and in the future."

Insulation systems have traditionally consisted of fiberglass batting encapsulated in a plastic pillowcase covering. Standard thermal acoustic insulation must slow the propagation of fire in lower-intensity thermal environments. However, the new FAA requirement specifies that insulation surrounding the cargo bay must also be resistant to "burn-through" in an intense thermal environment like that of a fuel-fed fire. This change is driving the redesign of current aircraft insulation systems.

Victrex APTIV™ film meets stringent Federal Aviation Authority requirements for aircraft insulation systems.

"APTIV film laminates meet FAA FAR 25.856(a) radiant panel testing which mandates the improved resistance to flame propagation for thermal and acoustic insulation blankets," said John Walling, Global Aerospace Marketing Manager at Victrex. "In addition, APTIV films can be laminated to specialized burn-through barrier systems that meet FAA FAR 25.856(b) resulting in a complete system that will meet the new FAA requirements."

The APTIV film is lightweight; an important factor is reducing aircraft weight and increasing fuel economy. "Given rising fuel costs, the entire aircraft industry is very focused on improving aircraft fuel efficiency," explained Walling. "APTIV film can be produced at 6µm (micron) thickness offering significant weight savings versus the existing 12µm PVF insulation systems. In addition to being thinner, APTIV film has lower specific gravity (1.26) versus traditional PVF film solutions (1.38-1.72) which results in a film that is more than 50% lighter while still maintaining all the necessary mechanical and flame characteristics."

APTIV film is produced from VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer and provides all of the properties of VICTREX PEEK in a flexible format. Properties include: good inherent permeation barrier properties and low moisture absorption, excellent wear and abrasion properties versus PVF, broad chemical resistance, and low smoke and toxic gas emissions and is halogen free in accordance with IEC 61249-2-21. "When it comes to low smoke and toxic gas emissions, VICTREX PEEK polymer is known to be one of the best performing polymers making APTIV film an excellent fit for aircraft insulation and other interior applications," commented Walling.

Victrex in profile
Headquartered in the UK, Victrex plc is an innovative leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, VICOTE® Coatings and APTIV™ film. These materials are used in a variety of markets and offer an exceptional combination of properties to help processors and end users reach new levels of cost savings, quality, and performance. All Victrex material production comes under Victrex's ISO 9001 quality registration.

Victrex® is a registered trademark of Victrex Manufacturing Limited. PEEK™, PEEK-HT™ and APTIV™ are trademarks of Victrex plc. VICOTE® is a registered trademark of Victrex plc.

For further information contact Joachim Preiss, Marketing & Communication Manager Europe, Victrex Manufacturing Limited, via e-mail: jpreiss@victrex.com or view websites:  http://www.victrex.com  and www.victrex.mobi

Elesa now offer an adjustable clamp handle to suit
everything from laboratory equipment to production lines

Clamping element innovator Elesa have again found a novel new take on adjustable clamping handles - by reducing the angle of the handle to 90^o they have lowered the profile by up to 21mm so that there is less protrusion into work areas - an important factor where space or garment "snagging" is an issue.

Diecast GN302 handles are ideal for clamping of equipment, jigs etc. Simple operation can be effected quickly without removing one's hand from the handle, especially where 360^o rotation of the clamping handle is not possible. The process of single-handed operation is to lift the handle to disengage, twist and lower to engage then twist to clamp/un-clamp.

The old adage that "small changes can make big differences" is certainly true here. Elesa offer the GN302 in 45, 63, and 78mm sizes and in both male ( stud ) and in female ( internally threaded ) versions to suit everything from laboratory equipment to production lines.

For further information, view website: www.elesa.co.uk  or e-mail: sales@elesa.co.uk    Refer to page 179

A newly -designed line of single-post and
two-post extrusion pump rams and complete
ram / pump packages for 'five gallon' containers

The ARO Fluid Technologies business of Ingersoll Rand has released a newly -designed line of single-post and two-post extrusion pump rams and complete ram / pump packages for 'five gallon' containers. Featuring superior down-force in a compact footprint, the new ARO ram / pump packages are especially suited to high-viscosity material applications including inks, caulks, mastics, lubricants and more.

In the single-Post Ram version it handles High Viscosity Applications - from 20,000 to 250,000 centepoise materials. It accepts 3-inch,  4.25-inch, and 6-inch air motors and uses pneumatics to raise and lower pump packages up to 17.5 inches for easy container change outs. Equipped with a powerful 3.25-inch ram cylinder, it provides industry-leading down force and features refined footprint, improving adaptability to variety of environments.

The two-post ram package handles ultra-high viscosity applications - from 20,000 to 1,000,000 centepoise materials; powerful enough to handle all types of heavy inks, epoxies, caulks, mastics, adhesives and sealants. It accepts 3-inch up to 10-inch air motors and uses pneumatics to raise and lower pump packages up to 17.5 inches for easy container change outs. Equipped with 3.25-inch ram cylinders it delivers more power for demanding applications or when available air pre sure is min mal. Welded construction  - combined with the two-post design provides increased strength and rigidity over the single-post ram.

Both ram pump packages feature a broad range of delivery pressures that include 22:1 ratio medium pressure /high flows up to our new 65:1 high-pressure, low flow pumps for broad application latitude.They come complete with pump, ram, air filter/regulator, hoses and all the components needed to get your application up and running with minimal set up.

For further information, contact Karina Visciola, e-mail: karina_visciola@eu.irco.com   Refer to page 93

New slit type plastic couplings from
Sterling Instrument feature low cost solutions

A new series of slit type plastic couplings from Sterling Instrument (ISO 9001:2000+AS9100B Registered Manufacturer) features low cost, UV resistance, voltage and RF isolation. These couplings, identified as the S50TLC... Inch and Metric Series are stocked in sizes 13, 19 and 25. This lightweight molded patented coupling can replace stainless/aluminum slit type couplings with low cost and improved operation. There is no windup or backlash or any derating for reversing applications. To insure a tight fit between the shaft and the coupling, a metal screw-to-metal nut design is used and does not utilize threads cut into the molded piece.

Refer to the picture: A new series of slit type plastic couplings from Sterling Instrument, are stocked in sizes 13, 19 and 25.  

These couplings are made of engineered polymer and have stainless steel fasteners. Their bore sizes range from .125" to .500" (from 3 mm to 12 mm). They range in length from .710" to 1.400" (18 mm to 36 mm). Their maximum temperature range is -4°F to +284°F (-20°C to +140°C).

They can be used in various applications and are especially able to accommodate tight or skewed connections. Quotes, online orders, available stock, and 3D CAD Model downloads are available at our new eStore at: www.sdp-si.com/eStore SDP/SI offers over 1000 different types of couplings including inch and metric: magnetic, flexible, rigid, oldham, bellows, flexible shaft, spider type, Fairloc® shaft type, helical, slit-type, and neoprene flexible type couplings. 
 
Detailed specifications are contained in Catalog D795, available free upon request from Sterling Instrument, 2101 Jericho Turnpike, P.O. Box 5416, New Hyde Park, NY, USA 11042-5416. Tel: 516-328-3300, Fax: 516-326-8827. Website: http://sdp-si.com/web/html/newprdcouplings10.htm   Refer to page 170