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IDI Composites International Announces Application of SMC Material for Use in ADA-Compliant Detectable Warning Plates |
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September 7, 2010 Noblesville, IN (USA) Click on the link below to view the press release: IDI Composites International, a premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds, has announced that it has found considerable success in the application of its SMC E-207 sheet molding compound in the manufacture of ADA-compliant detectable warning plates. According to IDI Vice President of Marketing Paul Rhodes, "Our SMC E-207 has the right combination of properties for this important application. It combines very high flexural, tensile, and compressive strength with high flexural modulus and hardness, plus very low water absorption and shrinkage. These properties help E-207 meet and exceed the requirements of detectable warning plate manufacturers, as well as the specifications laid down by the ADAAG, the Federal Highway Administration, and California's Title 24." Background2010 marks the 20th anniversity of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a landmark law that was designed to prohibit -under specified circumstances- discrimination based on disability. The ADA requires, among other provisions, the use of curb ramps between sidewalks and streets to accommodate the use of wheelchairs and other devices by disabled persons. However, the introduction of curb ramps created an unintended problem for visually impaired persons, as it removed the distinct curb border between sidewalks and streets. This made it difficult -if not impossible- for the visually impaired to determine the end of the sidewalk and the beginning of the street. The solution to this problem was the introduction of "detectable warnings" at all curb ramps. For many years, detectable warning plates were made from concrete, paving bricks, cast iron, or stainless steel. These materials, while meeting ADAAG requirements, had several problems including:
IDI Provides Solution with SMC E-207 MaterialA solution to these problems was found in the use of IDI's thermoset sheet molding compound (SMC). Because SMC has found wide use in the molding of large parts that need high mechanical strengths, it was considered to be an excellent choice for use in the large (up to 4' x 2') detectable warning plates used in curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, building access ramps, store entrances, transit platforms, bus stops, etc. The use of IDI's material has allowed detectable plate manufacturers to produce extremely durable but lightweight plates. In addition to their durability and lighter weight (compared to concrete, cast iron, and stainless steel), plates made from IDI's SMC materials are:
IDI Vice President & General Manager Tom Flood stated "IDI Composites International is proud of the part it plays in helping Americans with disabilities achieve increased access and mobility." About IDI Composites International:IDI Composites International is the premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds for custom molders and OEMs. The company provides customized polyester/vinylester-based bulk molding compounds (BMC) and sheet molding compounds (SMC) for the world's most demanding markets, including automotive, electrical, appliance, food service, and energy. Headquartered in a 200,000 square foot facility in Noblesville, IN (USA), IDI has a strong presence in the international thermoset composites market. To support a growing customer base world-wide, the company operates multiple wholly-owned manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and The Americas. |