February 23, 2004—A new generation of thermal imaging cameras manufactured for the firefighting industry is protected by and housed in RADEL R polyphenylsulfone by Solvay Advanced Polymers. The substance is known for its performance in the re-usable medical device arena, for standing up to repeated high-temperature sterilization.
The hand-held Argus 3 thermal imaging camera, built by e2v technologies of Chelmsford, UK, is designed specifically to help firefighters navigate through smoke-filled buildings, pinpoint the source and spread of flames, and detect fires hidden in cavity walls, floors, and ceiling voids.
The camera design team, including Alloy Ltd. product consultants, says that RADEL R-5100 balanced the extreme toughness needed to withstand the rough handling it would receive from firefighters during real-life situations, with the ability to resist damage from repeated high temperatures and water.
Tool designer company Algram had already worked with RADEL R resin, and chose the product because it can withstand continuous exposure to heat and still absorb tremendous impact without cracking or breaking, plus it offers chemical resistance “unparalleled” among amorphous polymers.
RADEL R resin can be injection molded, vacuum formed, or machined. In addition to its newest thermal image camera housing application, it is used in a wide assortment of medical and dental devices, safety equipment, pipe fittings, aircraft interiors, magnet wire insulation, and fiber optic connectors.
