Press Kit GE Plastics
Electronica
14 - 17 November, 2006

GE Plastics to Display Innovative Materials and Applications for the Electronics Industry at electronica Munich

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — November 14, 2006 — At electronica 2006, GE Plastics is showcasing innovative materials and technologies for electronic devices that help address global needs for higher quality and performance, increased functionality, better aesthetics, and faster “art-to-part” cycles. GE Plastics’ latest engineering thermoplastics, films, and composites, on display in Hall B1, Stand B1.279, offer a major competitive advantage to electronics OEMs and suppliers, as well as helping them comply with specific environmental regulations. Among the featured materials are Ultem* 5000B and white Ultem WH217 polyetherimide film grades, Lexan* FR25A polycarbonate (PC) film, and Lexan DMX resin. Applications for these materials, including insulating tapes and high heat bar code label substrates manufactured by H-old; motor slot insulators by Dr. D. Müller GmbH; W.L. Gore & Associates’ snapSHOT™ EMI shielding; and flexible flat heaters made by RICA will also be displayed.

GE Launches New Extem* Resin Line for Exceptional Thermal, Chemical, and Mechanical Performance in Extreme Environments

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — November 16, 2006 — GE Plastics today announced the launch of Extem* thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) resins, a new family of amorphous polymers that provide exceptional performance, while eliminating the drawbacks of semi-crystalline materials, imidized thermosets, and competitive amorphous thermoplastics. GE’s Extem resins deliver a powerful combination of melt processability and ultra-high thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. They meet growing industry demand for easy-to-produce parts that can withstand ever-higher temperatures and harsh chemical environments, and remain stiff and dimensionally stable in extreme temperatures. In addition, GE’s Extem resins are inherently flame-retardant without the use of halogenated additives that can pose an environmental risk.

GE’s New Ultem* 5000B Film Offers High-Performance, Cost-Effective Option for Range of Electrical/Electronic Applications

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — November 20, 2006 — For electrical/electronics (E/E) manufacturers that previously faced the dilemma of choosing between the high cost of specifying polyimide (PI) to achieve desired performance, or downgrading an application by using lower-performing polyethylene napthalate (PEN) or polyester (PET), there is now a solution. New Ultem* 5000B film from GE Plastics offers excellent high performance coupled with cost-effectiveness. Based on GE’s Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resin, this material’s high temperature and flame resistance, low moisture absorption and excellent dielectric properties make it an excellent candidate for E/E applications such as insulating tapes and laminates, diaphragms and voice coils for loudspeakers, high temperature bar code labels and flat flexible heaters. Ultem 5000B film is available in black and amber and in gauges 25µm - 750µm.

GE’s New Lexan* DMX Polycarbonate Resins Deliver Outstanding Scratch Resistance for Demanding Electronic Applications

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — November 14, 2006 — The keypads, housings, and other wear parts for mobile phones, computers, and digital cameras can take a real beating from constant handling. Although polycarbonate (PC) is a favorite choice for these components, until now it has been necessary to hard-coat the resin to prevent abrasion and maintain a good surface appearance. But secondary hard coating means extra cost, additional processing time, and potential environmental impact. To help solve this challenge, GE Plastics has developed a new family of Lexan* PC resins featuring outstanding scratch resistance. Compared to standard PC, GE’s Lexan DMX resins provide improved surface hardness without the need for hard coating. These materials are excellent candidates for transparent applications such as soft keys, infrared lenses, bezels, and screens.

GE’s Flame Retardant (FR) Flexible Noryl* Resins Now Recognized Under UL1581 as an Acceptable Wire Coating Material Candidate for 80 °C, 90 °C & 105 °C Applications

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — November 14, 2006 — GE Plastics recently announced that various grades of its flame-retardant Flexible Noryl* resin for wire coating and insulation have been listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) under the UL1581 reference standard for electrical wires, cables, and flexible cords, for up to 105 °C end-use temperature rating. As a result, proposed wire and cable products incorporating high-performance Flexible Noryl resins only need to undergo short-term aging testing vs. a 150-day long-term aging test, speeding time to market. The new GE materials have already proven themselves in the automotive and consumer electronics industries, and, with this new UL listing, are poised for rapid growth in appliance wiring applications.

GE Helps FLEXcon Reduce System Costs of Bar Code Label Stock While Delivering 98/100 Print Contrast Ratio

To track electronic or automotive components with speed and precision, manufacturers need bar code labels that can be read accurately the first time. To achieve this, the labels must be opaque to prevent the substrate under the label from showing through, and provide a sharp contrast to the bar code printing. Traditionally, producers of bar code label stock apply a white surface treatment to translucent, high-temperature films to improve opacity, print contrast, and durability. However, FLEXcon, a leading global manufacturer of pressure-sensitive films and adhesives, identified a need for a label material that did not require an opaque surface treatment.

Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH Connects the Aircraft Industry with the Help of Ultem* Resins

Schwarz, a subsidiary of SFS Industry Holding AG, is a leading manufacturer of fasteners for fixing interior cabin panels, luggage storage compartments and for mounting “exit” signs in aircraft. Made of GE Plastics’ Ultem resins, these products were designed for use in the AIRBUS A380, the world’s only twin-deck, four aisle airliner.

Ultem* Resins Help Areva Power the Energy Industry

The present consolidation of AREVA represents the combination of five companies: AREVA T&D, COGEMA, FRAMATOME ANP and TECHNICATOME. The result has yielded a company of 78,000 employees worldwide. From power plants to local energy distribution and transmission services, Areva and its employees are committed to technological innovation.

GE’s Ultem* Resin Gives Cost and Weight Advantages to ERA’s G1 Low-Profile Antenna

ERA Technology Ltd. selected next-generation Ultem* 2312EPR resin instead of machined aluminum to cost-effectively mold a complex antenna for consumer vehicles while reducing part weight by 30%.

ERA Technology Ltd. is a UK-based leader in antenna technology for military, commercial, and high-volume applications. When developing a revolutionary new low-profile antenna for mobile connectivity to the Internet and satellite TV, the company lost little time in deciding against traditional machined aluminum in favor of a thermoplastic resin. To achieve its goals of lightweight, reduced cost, and high-volume production, ERA worked with GE Plastics to identify the best resin and create the most effective part design.

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