PPG Industries has developed flexible nozzles that are easily shaped by hand at room temperature for use with cartridges to apply aerospace sealants.
Sembend™ nozzles are available in Semco™ packaging and application systems.
PPG Aerospace global market development manager for packaging Dillon Desai said they offer advantages over standard bent nozzles and were developed in response to customer needs for on-site shaping.
"Aircraft workers and maintenance personnel often need a nozzle with a custom-formed bend or shape for a particular sealant or adhesive application," Desai said.
"While PPG offers nozzles with standard angle bends, they must be ordered in advance to allow time for manufacturing. PPG stocks Sembend nozzles for immediate shipping, so order lead time is reduced. Minimum order quantities are [also] significantly lower."
Sembend nozzles are made with a proprietary plastic material, allowing operators to slowly bend them with their hands to form the shape for the application.
Applying heat or using tools is not required and the they have excellent shape retention. The nozzles can also be reshaped if the initial forming needs to be adjusted.
Desai added: "Operators using Sembend nozzles have reported time savings and improved sealing accuracy.
"The nozzles have continued flexibility after being bent, offering the end-user increased functionality."
Sembend nozzles are available in standard orifice sizes and lengths, as well as additional geometries if required.
Image: Sembend nozzles can be shaped by hand. Photo: courtesy of PPG.
