RVoice Newsletter from National Adhesives Investigates Sidewall Distortion for RV industry
Share:
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 11, 2006 - The new edition of RVoice, a newsletter for the recreational vehicle (RV) industry published by National Adhesives, provides insights on the effects of temperature on new colored FRPs (fiberglass reinforced plastic) used in RV sidewalls.
As OEMs seek ways to differentiate their RVs from competitive models, some are trying bold graphics and colors. However, these darker surfaces sometimes become distorted as a result of exposure to heat from the sun. The RVoice article reports on temperature testing by National Adhesives technicians, who compared differences in surface temperatures between white and colored FRP and measured how much heat transferred to adhesive bond lines within the test panels. According to the article, testing revealed that darker FRPs tended to reach elevated temperatures much more quickly than light colored materials. In addition, the temperatures of the interior adhesive bond lines heated more rapidly.
In the lead story of RVoice, Ken Mahaffa, Lamination Plant Manager at Pilgrim International, discusses the start-up of Pilgrim's new 36,400-square-foot lamination facility. Mahaffa credits exceptional teamwork for the speed of the start-up, which was accomplished in less than two months. "National Adhesives arranged for application equipment OEMs to be present and helped us through the process of buying the roll coater," explained Mahaffa. "After that, their engineers trained our personnel on the details of getting the start-up going."
The newsletter also reports on the "Voice of the Customer" process, which gives RV industry players the opportunity make their needs known to National Adhesives. Involving in-depth interviews of current customers, potential and lost customers, sub-suppliers and dealers, the program helps National Adhesives develop effective products and services for the RV industry.
For a free copy of RVoice, contact National Adhesives Information Center, One Matrix Drive, Monroe, NJ 08831. Call 1-800-797-4992. Fax 1-609-409-5699. E-mail: nscinquiry@salessupport.com.
National Adhesives is a unit of National Starch and Chemical Company, which had worldwide sales of $3.34 billion in 2005. National Adhesives offers hot melt, liquid emulsion and solvent-borne solution adhesives to customers worldwide. National Adhesives' products are based on polyurethane, acrylic, rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, epoxy, polyvinyl acetate and starch and dextrin chemistries. National has its headquarters in Bridgewater, NJ, and is a member of the ICI Group.
For more information about National Starch and Chemical Company and its other products, go to www.nationalstarch.com. You also are welcome to visit our on-line newsroom by clicking on the News button.
National Starch and Chemical Company is dedicated to meeting the needs and expectations of customers without compromising its commitment to sustainability. National Starch supports sustainability through its continuous efforts to improve the safety, health and environment of the communities in which it operates. For detailed information on National Starch's sustainability program, visit www.nationalstarch.com.
High-resolution photograph available. Please Contact Dave Manion.
Editorial Contacts:
Dave Manion
908-685-5395
dave.manion@nstarch.com
Martin Torbert
908-685-5185
martin.torbert@nstarch.com
All contents Copyright 2006. View Disclaimer
All rights reserved National Starch and Chemical Company.
