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.

“More than 20 years experience has yielded a foundation of manufacturing and development expertise as well as a network of well-established contacts. Our contact with GE Plastics has allowed us to explore the possibilities of Ultem resins. These things have enabled us to rise to this exciting challenge”, says Mr. Stefan Fischbacher, purchasing Director for Schwarz.

The Challenge: Metal replacement for weight savings in aircraft fasteners.

International aviation regulations demand that components used in aircraft comply with specifications for passenger safety. Flame retardance, low smoke emissions and low toxicity are critical to these requirements. It is also essential that the material have a high mechanical strength. Schwarz came to GE Plastics in need of a materials solution that not only met these requirements but also is lighter in weight than aluminum and easy to integrate into the aesthetics of an aircraft’s interior.

The Solution: GE Plastics’ Ultem resins

Ultem resins offer:

• High Mechanical Strength

• Flame Retardant

• Thin Wall Moulding

• High Modulus

• Low Smoke Emission

• Paintability/Colorability

Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme chose Ultem 1000 and Ultem 2300 resins. These engineering thermoplastics not only matched the Schwarz critical to quality needs, but also passed AIRBUS flammability specification

ABD0031 and Federal Aviation Regulation FAR 25.853. The materials have been qualified and released by Airbus Industries under Norm DAN-1209.

Ultem resins have high mechanical strength, high modulus and are significantly lighter than aluminum. This weight reduction could lead to extra weight saving in part design, which can lead to added economy. Weight saving on an aircraft relates directly to fuel efficiency.

This potential saving of fuel can also result in cost saving. An added advantage can be found in the potential ecological effect in using Ultem for aircraft components. Better fuel efficiency tends to be better for the environment as fewer pollutants are emitted into the air.

The Value-Added Services: Technical, Processing, and Tooling Support

GE Plastics is not only a supplier of high performance engineering thermoplastics, but a provider of quality customer service geared toward a client’s particular needs. The specialists at GE Plastics not only contributed with application development support, but also with tooling and processing assistance. These added services combined with excellent materials solutions make GE Plastics a materials supplier of choice for industry.

Beside the aircraft industry, Ultem resins are also used in aerospace, automotive and medical.

Details at: www.schwarz-svs.com