3 Aug 2004
Performance plastics keep luminaries burning brightly at the pumps
Petrol station architects face tough design and material challenges when choosing luminary structures. Harsh environmental conditions, combined with the gasoline vapors require luminary lenses that can stand up to the elements. Leading European lighting manufacturer, Phillips uses LEXAN® SLX resin in its petroleum station lighting product line MINI300 for its ability to combat the environmental conditions that typically result in damaged lights.
MINI300 luminary lenses are used in petrol stations across Europe. The product line features pole and ceiling mount capability, as well as fits in canopy applications. Although each product has its own look, Phillips quickly determined that all lenses in the line need to share similar features: UV resistance, chemical resistance, impact resistance and processing ease.
“Working with GE Advanced Materials allowed us the product support we needed to find the correct fit for our MINI300 line,” said Plant Manager Luminaries Ihsan Basat. “The materials give our luminaries the properties they need to survive in a petrol station environment.”
LEXAN SLX resins offer superior UV resistance when compared to standard UV-stabilized polycarbonate grades. The increased UV resistance translates into a clearer lens, with less typical yellowing effect than competitive grades.
Increased chemical resistance is another top quality of LEXAN SLX resin. If lenses are not able to withstand the petrol fumes over an extended period of time, lens casings may become loose, causing the lenses to crack.
In addition, LEXAN SLX features superior high temperature and impact strength , making it an ideal material for luminary lenses used in petrol stations, road sides or any other harsh environments in need of lighting applications.
The Phillips MINI300 series is globally available. Featuring a unique patented white reflector-coating; the series has an increased efficiency of 85% compared to the normal65% available in the marketplace.
”Working with Phillips lighting on the MINI300 series allowed us to bring technological innovation to a leader in the lighting industry,” said GE Advanced Materials LEXAN SLX Resin Product Manager Doug Hamilton. “Working together, we created an innovative solution to a tough solution.”
Reader enquiries
GE PlasticsPlasticslaan 1
4600 AC Bergen op Zoom
Netherlands
Helen Vandebovenkamp
helen.vandebovenkamp@ge.com
Tel: +31 164 29 20 97
Fax: +31 164 29 10 66
Netherlands
Notes for editors
GE Advanced Materials
GE Advanced Materials is a world leader in providing materials solutions through engineering thermoplastics, silicon-based products and technology platforms, and fused quartz and ceramics. Among its businesses are:
• Silicones, which includes GE Toshiba Silicones in the Pacific region and GE Bayer Silicones in Europe, offers silanes, specialty silicones, urethane additives, adhesives, sealants, resins, and elastomers for a variety of industries such as personal care, automotive, tire and rubber, construction, healthcare, electronics, household and institutional, agriculture, textiles, appliances, bedding and furnishings, foam control, and consumer (https://www.gesilicones.com/gesilicones/am1/en/home.jsp);
• Plastics is a global plastics materials supplier and distributor, which serves customers in a variety of industries including aerospace, appliances, automotive, building and construction, data storage and optical media, medical, electrical and electronics devices, telecommunications, computers and peripheral devices, outdoor vehicles and devices, and packaging (https://www.geplastics.com);
• Quartz produces high purity materials for the semiconductor, fiber optic, lamp making and water purification industries. GE Quartz is a leading supplier of quartz materials to the semiconductor industry (https://www.gequartz.com/en/index.htm);
• GE (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology, media, and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming, and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at https://www.ge.com.
LEXAN is a registered trademark of General Electric Company
Related images
Petrol station architects face tough design and material challenges when choosing luminary structures. Harsh environmental conditions, combined with the gasoline vapors require luminary lenses that can stand up to the elements. Leading European lighting manufacturer, Phillips uses LEXAN® SLX resin in its petroleum station lighting product line MINI300 for its ability to combat the environmental conditions that typically result in damaged lights.
Editorial enquiries
Brigitta de Vries
EMG
Jim Allison
AH&M Marketing Communications