April 6, 2010
Pittsburgh, April 6, 2010 — The performance and sales of EKO-FLOR ms1 composite racking systems from Conforce International, Inc., initially created as shelving for special application shipping containers, has surpassed all expectations. Conforce has successfully supplied nearly 200,000 linear feet of the interlocking, lightweight, composite panel system, which utilizes Baydur® PUL 2500 polyurethane chemistry from BaySystems, in its first year of production. With its high strength-to-weight ratio, the EKO-FLOR ms1 system is now seeing use in new commercial applications.
The ms1 racking system has surpassed the initial expectations for structural performance, enabling it to be used for applications that are more demanding than what is required of shelving.
"With minor modifications, we have taken the ms1 and put it in commercial applications for light weight containers and trucking flooring," said Marino Kulas, president and CEO of Conforce International, Inc. "With our ongoing collaboration with Bayer MaterialScience LLC, we've made the ms1 successful, and created an incredibly strong product that was previously impossible with traditional fiberglass composites."
The EKO-FLOR ms1 offers a number of advantages over panels made from traditional materials, such as wood, steel, aluminum or FRP composites. In addition to the highly desirable strength-to-weight ratio, overall weight reduction and unsurpassed strength, the Bayer MaterialScience LLC polyurethane composites used are also environmentally responsible. Unlike panels made from wood and steel, the EKO-FLOR ms1 is not subject to weather-related degradation or corrosion, resulting in an extended product life.
"Currently, we are testing the ms1 within the transportation sector and the feedback we have received so far has been very positive," said Kulas. "We are especially happy with the load-bearing qualities of the composite material. It's been well-received, and we've already begun trials for use in the truck body sector. Bayer has provided highly qualified personnel to participate with Conforce staff in the production of trial panels."
The interlocking panels designed by Conforce measure 24 inches wide and are cut to length as required. They are a nominal 1.25 inches deep. During development of this application, the polyurethane pultrusion process and the polyurethane material helped Conforce achieve uniformity and integrity of the wall sections, which in turn have enabled the company to achieve greater flexibility of design and streamline the manufacturing process.
Through the companies' alliance, Bayer MaterialScience LLC provides value-adding ongoing global product supply and technical support such as advanced design and material analysis, efficient production practices and other technical know-how to all Conforce manufacturing locations from BaySystems™, which is the global polyurethane systems business of Bayer MaterialScience LLC.
"We have enjoyed collaborating with the team at Conforce on the ms1, first as they supplied the special shipping containers with shelving, and now as they carve out new markets with their innovative composite panels," said Harry George, head, Diversified Industries, New Applications, NAFTA, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "Because of the combination of its physical properties and sustainability, this product has mass-market appeal."
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2009 sales of 7.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC's business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.
For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC's line of polyurethane resins, call 1-800-662-2927, e-mail naftainfo@bayerbms.com or visit www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com.
For more information about Conforce International Inc., and the EKO-FLOR ms1, visit www.conforce1.com. |
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