RCF
Seals and Couplings, Inc.
| COMPANY/LOCATION: |
RCF Seals and Couplings, Inc., Vidalia, Georgia |
| PRODUCT: |
Seals, couplings, ducting, tapes, and gaskets |
| YEARS IN BUSINESS: |
20 |
| EMPLOYEES: |
35 |
| SITUATION: |
RCF manufactures aircraft seals and couplings for both military and
commercial markets. A major customer had required the company to test seals
used in cabin pressurization, bleed air, and anti-icing systems on a new
model of jet aircraft a new application for RCF's product. The test had
to be passed before the customer could start certification trials for their
new model. RCF lacked the facilities necessary for testing its elastomeric
material at temperatures up to 800°F and could not perform the test
in the required time. Looking for technical assistance with the problem,
RCF contacted the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Extension Program and was
referred to the Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology. |
| PROJECT: |
An ORCMT scientist was contacted, agreed to help with the project,
and assembled a testing device that would subject the material to the necessary
high temperatures while at the same time flexing the material both axially
and angularly. RCF officials and their customer visited ORCMT and reviewed
the preliminary testing data and offered suggestions for the final testing
phase. In concert with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WRAC), an identical
ORCMT testing device was used in WRAC's environmental testing chamber where
RCF products were subjected to temperatures as low as 70°F. |
| RESULTS: |
The testing simulated two years of service and proved for the first
time that an elastomeric material could withstand sustained temperatures
and heat cycles ranging from 70°F to more than 800° F. The
testing also proved a new seal that was designed to meet standard tubing
tolerances of plus or minus 0.010 in. over nominal tube diameter, thereby
eliminating sizing requirements. Dianne Zimnavoda, president of RCF, said
the importance of the testing to her company is clear it will document
the use of RCF's high- temperature elastomeric material. "These results
will mean new business for us because they show that we can back up what
we say that our product will out perform others. We have been extremely
pleased with the technical support and the people support from ORCMT. All
this was new and very useful to us." |
Technical assistances provided to the private sector by the Oak Ridge
Centers for Manufacturing Technology (ORCMT) and its manufacturing extension
partners throughout the United States.
For information
or assistance, call the Manufacturing Technology Information Service at
1-800-356-4USA
or visit the ORCMT
Home Page. |
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