Simrit's Low-Density Silicone Achieves First Aerospace Application Success

ELGIN, Ill., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to evolving operational and environmental conditions, weight reduction has become a critical element in aircraft design and has created an increasing customer demand for weight-conscious sealing components. As a result, Simrit, a global supplier of precision-manufactured products for the aerospace industry, recently developed a proprietary, low-density silicone material that was successfully used in nacelle systems developed by a leading full-service independent nacelle system supplier.

Nacelle systems, housings that contain aircraft engines, are critical to the overall efficiency of aircraft, as well as a key area for weight savings and fuel economy improvements. Simrit developed its cost-effective AMS 3302 and AMS 3303 silicone material to provide a 15 to 20 percent weight savings over similar materials. With a specific gravity of less than one, it has the same physical properties of traditional silicone materials, but at a reduced weight.

"As our customers encounter changing operating conditions, Simrit strives to be a partner that they depend upon to offer forward-looking solutions that can be customized to fit precise application needs," said Todd Blair, business / product development manager, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies. "Our innovative low-density silicone material is just one example of how Simrit is working to anticipate industry changes, so we can provide customers with solutions when they need them."

Simrit's low-density silicone material is an ideal solution for numerous aerospace sealing applications, including airframe seals and pressure and environmental sealing applications of nacelle systems. Developed to meet widely accepted international specifications, the material withstands extreme low and high temperatures, is resistant to common aircraft fluids and can be combined into fireproof constructions.

"In the ever competitive commercial aerospace market, airlines are being required to do more for less," said Vinay Nilkanth, vice president global sales aerospace, Simrit. "Our low-density silicone material provides the critical weight saving benefits customers seek, without compromising other physical properties."

The material is produced at Simrit's Nadcap-approved Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada plant, which is one of the most experienced facilities in the aerospace industry. It designs and manufactures aerodynamic seals and sealing products, including engine seals, thrust reverser seals, and door and window seals, for commercial aircraft and jet engines. The facility was recently awarded United Technologies Corp.'s Supplier Gold status for the third consecutive year, as well as 3M's Superior Performance Award for the second time. The plant is certified to the AS9100 Revision C quality management system including design for the aerospace industry.

For additional information about Simrit's low-density silicone, visit the Simrit booth (hall 4, booth D10) during the Farnborough International Airshow show from July 9 to 13 in England.

Simrit is part of Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies and offers an extensive portfolio of precision-manufactured products for the aerospace, agriculture, appliance, construction, energy, fluid power, mechanical power generation, mechanical power transmission and recreation markets. Simrit's global sales exceed $1.3 billion. For more information, visit the Simrit website at www.simrit.com.

SOURCE Simrit