Simrit Unveils New Light Silicone Sealant for Aerospace Use

FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW » JULY 10, 2012

by  NEELAM MATHEWS

July 9, 2012, 3:20 PM

Simrit, a global supplier of precision-manufactured products for the aerospace industry, is focusing on fuel efficiency as the main theme during the show. The company is promoting its recently developed proprietary, low-density silicone materials–AMS 3302 and AMS 3303–to commercial airframe manufacturers. It has started supply to an undisclosed manufacturer, and the first aircraft using the new material will enter service in early 2014.

The company has worked with the business jet market in the past and is targeting airframers such as Cessna and Bombardier to be among its first customers. “After the executive jets, we will focus on the very light jets, said Vinay Nilkanth, vice president global sales aerospace. Diamond Aviation and Eclipse Aerospace are working closely with Simrit (Hall 4 Stand D10) for their requirements, he explained.

Seals are replaced during A, B, C and D checks, a market worth approximately $650 million a year. Weight reduction has become a critical element in aircraft design and has created an increasing customer demand for weight-conscious sealing components. “We expect a 17-percent weight reduction [over similar material]. We are now looking at how much fuel savings we can get for new aircraft,” said Nilkanth. The material withstands extreme low and high temperatures, is resistant to common aircraft fluids and can be combined into fireproof construction.

Expanding into Asia, the company has been present in China for more than two years working with Comac on its requirements for aerospace sealing applications on airframes, engines, landing gear, wheels and brakes and flight controls.

The material is produced at Simrit’s factory in Canada. 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 plant is certified to the AS9100 Revision C quality management system including design for the aerospace industry.

Simrit is part of Germany-based 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.