Weatherability was key in Beko’s choosing Lexan* EXL and Xylex* resins to make their first outdoor cash register for gas stations.

Lexan EXL and Xylex were used to develop Beko’s first outdoor product, cash registers for gas stations. Engineered by GE - Plastics, Lexan EXL 9330 resin was chosen by Beko for its best fit to outdoor enclosure applications, and Xylex X7200 resin was preferred for its excellent chemical resistance. Beko Elektronik, a subsidiary of the Koç Group, aims to become the European leader in the electronics sector, and they chose GE – Plastics to help them get there.

GE - Plastics and Beko Elektronik

“Because the cash registers are designed for use at gas stations, they needed to be all weather as well as fuel resistant for certain parts. These were key factors in our choosing Lexan and Xylex resins to make our first outdoor product,“ asserted Emin Ilkmen, R&D Director for Beko Elektronik.

Lexan EXL 9330 resin helps protect the body of the cash register due to:

• Flame Retardancy of UL-94 FR- V0/ 3 mm.

• Impact resistance even at a very low ambient temperature range.

• Easy processing.

• Low warpage.

• Good surface quality.

The cash register’s printer cover is made from the Xylex X7200 resin, which favors its transparency value and fuel resistance. Similar applications of the two focus grades are generally done with metal.

Xylex resins can provide a range of benefits typically including:

• Resistance to many commonly used chemicals (including face oils, body oils, and detergents) leading to less cracking and crazing.

• Excellent flexural endurance.

• Good wear resistance.

• Excellent compatibility with paints and inks.

Throughout the project, Beko received invaluable insight from GE’s Global Design Engineering Team. Ilkmen reported, “The team was quick to respond on sampling and provided continuous support to helping us achieve our objectives. These new generation materials are helping us successfully meet our customer expectations.”

Lexan EXL resins are part of GE - Plastics’ X Gen* resin portfolio. Through the use of proprietary siloxane copolymer technology, Lexan EXL resins retain the properties of PC, while extending low-temperature impact strength

and cold-temperature ductility. The polymer provides prolonged resistance to weathering and extreme temperature fluctuations (-40 to 100C) without loss of dimensional stability or ductility. Lexan EXL 9330 resin offers improved durability and excellent toughness at cold temperatures in a formulation with a UL 94 V-0 listing. It is compliant with the TCO ’99, Blue Angel, and WEEE 2006 eco-labels, and may also add improved processing productivity through faster cycle times, quicker mold release, and enhanced flow.

Xylex resins, blending PC with polyesters, are used in many applications, including eyewear, outdoor recreational vehicle components, ski bindings, personal care appliances, and food containers. Beko opted for Lexan EXL 9330 and Xylex X7200 resins to meet Beko’s outdoor cash register needs.

Details at www.bekoelektronik.com.tr.