Technology

Using sophisticated materials testing software, FMI Chemical tests and certifies epoxies and related primers, adhesive sealants, silicone putties, and other jet engine potting compounds to customer specs. Based on the requirements of jet engine manufacturers, including Pratt & Whitney and General Electric, FMI Chemical lab technicians evaluate materials to ascertain heat resistance, weight per gallon, non-volatility, curing time, tensile strength, elongation, lap shear, specific gravity, and other qualities.

In the material control lab, chemists and lab technicians perform proprietary operations in an atmospherically controlled, sterile environment. After filtering and de-aerating each compound, FMI Chemical produces a report that details how the material conforms to individual customer specifications. Qualified source engineers from jet engine manufacturer customers regularly audit the lab, checking equipment calibrations and methodologies. FMI Chemical has a perfect record of passing all audits.

As a result of innovations by FMI Chemical, the aerospace industry has more direct access to materials that previously took several months to acquire. Since the company began supplying silicone rubber to the aerospace industry in 1982, FMI Chemical has been at the vanguard of testing processes and methodologies. The testing lab was awarded Laboratory Control Source status in 1985, and the company is one of only two addition reaction silicone rubber manufacturers to meet stator vane potting compound specifications.