Victrex® Peek(TM) Polymer Delivers Light Weight Advantage for New Fan System in Bell Agusta Helicopters
Greenville, SC - (June 26, 2006) - When TEMA S.a.s., an aerospace
company based in Italy, was designing a new fan system for the flight decks
of Bell Agusta helicopters, it chose VICTREX® PEEK(TM) polymer for the
components because of the material¹s superior mechanical performance and
light weight properties.
TEMA wanted to avoid using any metals for the system¹s main body and fan
wheel. Instead, they wanted a plastic alternative that would reduce the
weight of the components, while at the same time assure performance,
reliability and security. Reducing component weight is important as it
means that more equipment can be accommodated on the aircraft. The superior
properties of VICTREX PEEK polymer made it an ideal choice for the harsh
environmental and electromagnetic conditions encountered in the helicopter
flight decks.
"VICTREX PEEK polymer gives us the outstanding fire resistance and
mechanical properties we need for the components - plus it is up to 40
percent lighter than other materials," says Giancarlo Cunati, Manager, TEMA
S.a.s. "An added bonus is that we¹ve been able to realize a significant
savings in production because we can injection mold the VICTREX PEEK polymer
components as opposed to die casting metal components."
TEMA is an innovative engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to
the design and the production of high performance and high reliability
electromechanical devices for the aerospace market.
VICTREX USA Inc., a division of Victrex plc., is the sole manufacturer
and supplier of PEEK(TM) polymer worldwide. For more information on the
properties and performance advantages of VICTREX PEEK, please call (800)
VICTREX or visit the Victrex website at www.victrex.com.
