SABIC, a Saudi Arabian chemicals supplier, has entered into a collaboration with Cybershield, a US-based supplier of metallised plastic components, in order to advance the use of plated ULTEM resins in aerospace applications.
SABIC’s team have shared with Cybershield their expertise in injection moulding of high-heat ULTEM resins. This training enabled Cybershield to mould ULTEM 2310 resin into backshells for electrical connectors that are suitable for use in audiovisual (AV) control modules for commercial aircraft. ULTEM 2310 resin is an improved flow 30% glass-fibre-reinforced polyetherimide resin.
“Thanks to SABIC’s invaluable guidance on all aspects of processing ULTEM 2310 resin, we have expanded our moulding capabilities beyond lower-temperature materials. Our customer, Russtech Engineering Co., Inc., is very happy with the components we are moulding and plating, and we are now well positioned to pursue other applications for their growing inFlite Products Suite,” said Dr Stanley Walton, director of R&D at Cybershield.
As part of the ongoing collaboration with SABIC, Cybershield is sharing its experience and capabilities in optimising plating quality and performance on a range of ULTEM resins and other speciality materials to potentially expand their use in numerous applications that require EMI shielding.
“We deeply appreciate Cybershield’s willingness to learn from SABIC about moulding our high-heat materials, and to make their facility available to expand our understanding of plating technology,” added Luc Govaerts, technology director at SABIC Specialties.
“Based on our work with Cybershield, we are confident that plated ULTEM resins can benefit aerospace customers, as well as those in the automotive and consumer electronics industries, by delivering key properties such as light weight, high heat resistance and excellent shielding performance,” added Govaerts.
SABIC will display a wide range of parts and applications, including connector backshells moulded and plated by Cybershield, at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2024 on 26-28 May (Stand #6C51B, 6C51A). A demonstrator unit from Russtech Engineering will also be on display.
