Enhanced Impact Strength a Benefit for Outdoor Consoles

Lexan EXL resin, one of GE Plastics’ new resins in the X GEN portfolio, has been selected by IdleAire Technologies Corp. for outdoor service consoles for the trucking market. Based on proprietary siloxane copolymer technology, the Lexan EXL family of polycarbonate resins offers the benefits of standard polycarbonate with added impact strength and cold-temperature ductility. According to GE Plastics’ Lexan EXL product manager Doug Hamilton, the material is well suited for many trucking applications because of its rigorous durability and impact requirements.

IdleAire Technologies Corp. (Knoxville, TN) is using Lexan EXL resin for a patented, modular service console that enables long-haul truck drivers to switch off their diesel engines and still enjoy heat, air-conditioning, high-speed computer access, TV and telephone connections, 110-volt power and other amenities during rest periods. Traditionally, truck engines had to be idling to power these services.

The service console hangs off flexible air-handling hoses that are connected to a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system mounted on an overhead truss.

Impact resistance was the key in IdleAire’s selection of Lexan EXL FL300 resin for the console. Jim Hannah, IdleAire’s vice president of product technology, said they repeatedly impacted the units in their research center to test the material’s durability.

“We knew these consoles would potentially make contact with the trucks if a driver didn’t align properly in the parking space,” said Hannah. “But even though they are coming into contact with 80,000 pound rigs, the FL300 EXL material virtually eliminates impact damage.”

Other factors in its selection included the material’s ability to withstand extreme weather fluctuations and its resiliency to chemicals such as diesel fuel.

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