Plastics Displays Cutting-Edge Materials for Translucent Roofing and Hurricane Resistance at International Builders' Show
GE Booth Underscores Company's Commitment to Builders and Consumers with
Materials Innovation and Environmental Responsibility
ORLANDO, FLA. - Jan. 11, 2005 - Whether it's the warmth of a brilliant, sunny day or the threat of a powerful hurricane, the elements meet their match with GE - Plastics' high-performance material technologies for building and construction. Here at the 2006 International Builders' Show, GE - Plastics, a global leader in new material technologies for the building & construction industry, is showcasing its latest product innovations in booth W1243. These include a new translucent roofing system made from Lexan* Thermoclear* multi-wall polycarbonate (PC) sheet that provides natural, museum quality light, and significantly improved aesthetics, comfort, and energy efficiency, and; hurricane-resistant Lexan XL10 sheet panels for covering windows and doors to help protect people and property from devastating storms.
"With more than two dozen named storms, the 2005 hurricane season was the worst in 154 years, with some predictions for 2006 looking even worse," said Ruth Fleming, Americas industry manager - Building & Construction/Emerging Markets, GE - Plastics. The lesson learned is that it's vital to be prepared for both the best and the worst that Mother Nature can deliver. GE - Plastics' high-tech materials enable architects and builders to meet consumer demand for comfort and beauty in good weather, protection and safety in bad weather, and energy efficiency (building code compliant) in any weather."
Fleming added: "Customers actively seek our support to help invent and validate new solutions for residential and commercial design and construction so that they can proactively meet marketplace challenges, lead market trends, and grow their businesses."
Hurricane Resistant Lexan Sheet Storm Panels for the 2006 Hurricane Season
GE's Lexan XL10 sheet is used for clear storm panel shutters that address the need for better protection from hurricanes and dramatically improved aesthetics for prolonged use vs. traditional materials. This innovative utilization of GE's Lexan XL10 sheet in a unique profile provides an effective and reusable alternative to plywood, and a see-through/lightweight alternative to metal panels. Sold to authorized dealers and installers of Lookout Shutters, Inc., of Calhoun, Ga., Clear Storm Panels made with Lexan XL10 sheet help shield windows and doors from flying debris hurled by hurricane-force winds, which can sustain constant speeds of 75 mph or more.
Clear Storm Panels made with Lexan XL10 sheet can provide up to four times the impact strength of one-half-inch-thick plywood, and are half the weight of traditional metal panels, while offering clarity that lets in light and prevents the claustrophobic effect of boarded-up or metal-panel covered windows. The overall benefits include:
o Clear and see-through
o Impact resistance
o Light weight for quick and easy installation or removal
o UV protection for prolonged life
o Vandal resistance
o Florida building code HVHZ (high velocity hurricane zone) approved
Translucent Home Roofing System for Enhanced Aesthetics, Comfort, and Energy Savings
To meet homeowner desire for floor plans with more natural, quality light into living areas and better energy efficiency and heating/cooling costs than glass roofing inserts, GE - Plastics has teamed with Centerpoint Translucent Systems, LLC. to develop a new pre-assembled roofing system using GE's Lexan Thermoclear multi-wall PC sheet filled with Nanogel® translucent aerogel from Cabot Corporation. The Centerpoint(TM) patent-pending roofing system filters and diffuses natural daylight entering living areas, eliminating shadows and glare, and raising energy efficiency by a factor of five compared to glass panels. Natural light can reduce dependence on artificial illumination, providing cost savings. The system also provides sound-dampening qualities for a quieter environment. Other benefits of the roofing system:
o Excellent light transmission
o Ability to withstand wind loads of up to 140 mph
o Superior UV resistance and impact strength
o Greater design flexibility than glass
o Exceptional sound and energy insulation
o Exceptional flame resistance (UL 94)
"Lexan Thermoclear multi-wall sheet represents a huge leap forward for materials technologies in building and construction," said Michael Difucci, industry manager, Building Security & Infrastructure, GE - Plastics. From superior strength and energy efficiency to extreme comfort and aesthetics, the benefits this product offers to developers and consumers are tremendous. GE - Plastics is an innovation engine for the global building and construction industry and Lexan Thermoclear sheet is one of many of our advanced, high-tech products that are helping to make a major difference in quality of life."
GE's Lexan sheet products have long been a leading choice of architects, contractors, and builders for some of the most demanding commercial and residential construction projects, including roof domes, sports arenas, skylights, walkways, skyscrapers, and conservatories.
About GE - Plastics
GE - Plastics is a global supplier of plastic resins widely used in automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, performance packaging, building & construction, telecommunications, and optical media applications. The company manufactures and compounds polycarbonate, ABS, SAN, ASA, PPE, PC/ABS, PBT and PEI resins, as well as the LNP* line of high-performance specialty compounds. GE - Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet manufactures high-performance Lexan* sheet and film products used in thousands of demanding applications worldwide. In addition, GE - Plastics' dedicated Automotive organization is an experienced, world-wide competitor, offering leading plastics solutions for five key automotive segments: body panels and glazing; under the hood applications; component; structures and interiors; and lighting. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games.
* Lexan, Thermoclear, and LNP are trademarks of General Electric Company.
(TM) Centerpoint is a trademark of Centerpoint Translucent Systems.
® Nanogel is a registered trademark of Cabot Corporation.
Contacts
The Americas
Christopher Tessier
GE - Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel: +1-413-448-6926
E-Mail: christopher.tessier@ge.com
