Thermoplastics Sekisui SPI
Creative space
Sekisui SPI has opened a new facility
to enable developers to explore the
possibilities of thermoplastic through
rapid prototyping and product ideation
C oncise creativity is the key to helping the rail industry
continue to be competitive, contends Ruben Bake,
mass transit market business manager at Sekisui SPI.
The company has opened a new innovation centre, appLab,
to support this philosophy.
“We’re becoming more creative and are using unique processes
to design parts for the mass transit industry with thermoplastics,”
says Bake. “We know our customers will ask, ‘What’s the solution
that will accomplish all the form and functional attributes needed
in mass transit interiors?’ The appLab helps us achieve what
thermoplastics are really made for – parts that have consistent
quality and better, more durable surfaces.”
The appLab is a two-storey, 8,000ft2 (743m2) collaborative
space for clients and customers. It is equipped with all the
fabrication and test equipment, machines and other technologies
needed to convert a concept into a component. The facility was
created to provide the resources for rapid prototyping, exploration
and product ideation, for anyone eager to delve into a world
of what-ifs and walk out with a prototype that can move into
production with thermoforming partners. “Customisable designs
and testing are part of the package, ensuring trailblazers have
Railway Interiors International ANNUAL SHOWCASE 2019 60
the support they need for focussed exploration to ultimately
achieve comprehensive solutions,” says Bake.
Design freedom
Sekisui SPI says these solutions are exactly what the rail market
needs. “The appLab is a huge part of the answer for rail,” says
Bake. “We can really change the game by educating industrial
designers, transit system professionals and rail engineers.
Collaboration among these professionals in a space specifically
made for exploration leads to faster development of state-of-theart
solutions. Engineers and specifiers can experience true design
freedom in moving from fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) to
thermoplastics. Thermoplastic materials are more recyclable,
lighter and stronger than other traditionally used materials.”
Designers can benefit both from the new appLab and
Sekisui SPI’s other innovation centre, designLab. They can
discover the diversity of materials, colours and textures available
across suppliers. Comparing a variety of materials side-by-side
is encouraged at the appLab. Trialling a completely new part
design is expected. Seeking uncommon solutions with the help
of a dedicated team is the goal.