SABIC Compound Delivers High Performance and Consistent Quality
ESD capability is important for rebreathers because it provides a grounding path for any static charge that can build up in a plastic resin, causing potentially deadly sparks. FARADEX compound incorporates conductive stainless steel fibers throughout its base material to help dissipate static charges. Because the conductive property permeates the entire part, it helps to provide consistent protection, as the conductivity cannot be disrupted by surface scratches or nicks. As the base material, LEXAN EXL copolymer offers superior impact and low temperature ductility, as well as enhanced processability, compared to standard PC grades. All LNP FARADEX compounds are Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant, and grades based on non-brominated, non-chlorinated and flame retardant systems are available.
Another key attribute of LNP FARADEX compound is its ability to be pre-colored, avoiding the need for secondary painting. This material is also ideal for electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielding applications such as consumer and defense electronics, healthcare and industrial equipment and telecommunications hardware.
In addition to supplying the FARADEX material, SABIC’s team provided extensive technical support to Biomarine and the molder of the rebreather housing. These included recommendations on notch and snap-fit design, adjustments to gates and runners and assistance with color matching.
Anderson noted, “Since we replaced the previous material with FARADEX compound, static dissipation has improved dramatically and the problem of inconsistent incorporation of the stainless steel fiber has gone away. Since we no longer have to worry about bad lots of material or excessive scrap, it’s easier to meet our productivity, quality and cost control objectives. Feedback from our customers has been very good.”
The Biomarine BioPak240R Revolution is the most highly advanced, easiest-to-use four-hour rebreather ever offered. With six liters of tidal volume, it delivers the lowest resistance breathing of any rebreather available. A revolutionary, Solid Core Scrubber carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubber design eliminates the need to measure and refill CO2 absorbent and the potential for refilling errors.
