Discovery through design
This is a special feature from PAX Tech's October 2020 digital edition.
KYDEX surfaceGrip was developed inside the appLab to fulfill the need for anti-slip low gloss material for aircraft interiors
Increasing passenger expectations require innovative ideas, technology, and materials early in the design process. To help designers on this journey, SEKISUI KYDEX has developed two innovation centers, appLab™ and designLab®. Inside these virtual labs, designers can trial different technologies offered by company.
“The services are not only focused on products and process, but are designed to foster discovery and exploration,” says Bernadette Chupela, Customer Experience Manager, SEISUI KYDEX. "Customers can use vivid colors, textiles, imagery, technology, and real-world examples as they create their virtual prototype. Utilizing technology like this, the appLab and designLab teams at SEKISUI KYDEX aspire to improve concept, design, and delivery for customers.”
Here’s a snapshot of what is featured in the innovation centers:
KYDEX® surfaceGrip
Recently developed inside appLab to meet the need for an anti-slip low gloss material for aircraft interiors, new KYDEX surfaceGrip (SG) product line opens the door to new design possibilities. While combining custom integral color, Infused Imaging™ technology, and a tactile experience with soft touch texture, KYDEX 5555+SG also stands up to harsh disinfectants and will not stain, making it ideal for tray table inlays.
KYDEX ION Technology™
KYDEX ION Technology™ is 99 percent effective at inhibiting the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria on KYDEX Thermoplastics. KYDEX ION Technology interferes with bacteria DNA, preventing stain- and odor-causing bacteria from multiplying on the treated thermoplastic sheet.
KYDEX ION Technology is an antimicrobial treatment incorporated into the sheet, which helps keep the treated surface cleaner between cleanings. Many KYDEX Thermoplastics are engineered to withstand daily contact with harsh disinfectants and chemical reagents. Durable, chemical- and stain-resistant, KYDEX Thermoplastics are suitable for high-touch areas of the aircraft cabin, such as tray tables, seat backs, armrests, IFE bezels, privacy panels, monuments, and lavatory surfaces.
Infused Imaging Technology
Inside the designLab, Crystal Cabin Award-winning Infused Imaging puts color and imagery into thermoplastic material rather than on it. It is a proprietary process that embeds imagery into thermoplastic material and gives designers, seat manufacturers and airlines the power to create bespoke environments using color, images and texture without sacrificing strength and durability.
KYDEX FST Suite
The fully compliant KYDEX FST product line expands possibilities for interior applications. The FST suite includes KYDEX FST (opaque), KYDEX FST 03 (pearlescent), KYDEX FST CTL (colored translucent), and KYDEX FST CLR (clear). It is formulated to meet all OEM requirements for aircraft interior components. It delivers excellent formability and a sophisticated finish while meeting the flammability and smoke development requirements outlined in Federal Aviation Regulations and toxicity requirements for Airbus and Boeing.
3D Visualization
Inside designLab, designers can explore 3D virtualization with X-Rite’s Total Appearance Capture™ (TAC) Ecosystem and KeyShot® 3D Rendering and Animation Software. X-Rite’s TAC Ecosystem provides a high level of realism in digital material capture and 3D virtualization, helping close the gap between real and virtual materials through full appearance measurement.
