Bayer’s Tough, Flame-Resistant Plastic Protects Curtis Instruments’ Motor Speed Controller Technology That Powers Electric Vehicles

Pittsburgh, PA, May 07, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Curtis Instruments’ motor speed controllers are used worldwide in many types of zero-emission electric vehicles, including counterbalance trucks, warehouse trucks and tow tractors. Vehicle operators benefit from smooth acceleration, deceleration and forward and reverse handling, along with an excellent combination of power, performance and functionality.

In order to keep that technology protected, Curtis Instruments needed a plastic motor cover that provided flame resistance along with safety and compliance with the latest regulations. Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Makroblend® EL 703 polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate (PC/PET) offered exceptional flame resistance for this critical electric application. It also provided maximum safety and regulatory compliance, replacing a previous material that – unlike Makroblend EL 703 PC/PET – was not UL 94 5VA-rated.

“This plastic offers a combination of properties Curtis Instruments sought for this application, including impact resistance, ultraviolet stability, flame retardance and chemical resistance,” said Ignacio Osio, demand creation manager, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “We worked closely with Curtis Instruments experts to help identify, sample and color match the optimum plastic to help protect their advanced electric motor controller technology.”

Curtis AC motor controllers come in a variety of product sizes with the largest being 9 x 10 x 2.5 inches. All of the covers utilize Bayer’s Makroblend EL703 PC/PET plastic.

“The reliability of our controllers combined with intuitive programming and powerful diagnostics make these the quickest and easiest controllers in the industry to set up for new applications, reducing the OEM's development costs and time to market,” said Frank Matheis, corporate communications director, Curtis Instruments in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. “Bayer’s flame-resistant material helps keep our technology covered with a tough shell that meets the highest standards.”

About Curtis Instruments:
Curtis Instruments, founded in 1960, is a world leader in advanced electric vehicle technology control systems, instrumentation and related technology. The privately held company, based in Mount Kisco, N.Y., operates 15 subsidiaries worldwide.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,800 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2011 sales of 10.8 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience’s 2011 sales in North America were $2.9 billion. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

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