GE Structured Products' GEPAX sheet material is composed of an opaque polycarbonate that makes it especially well suited to off-road vehicles. The material is currently being used in Europe, in applications created with relatively inexpensive thermoforming technology that suits the low-unit-build market. JCB's latest loader makes use of GEPAX sheet material for some of its panels. Now the sheet material will be readily available in the U.S., and GE Structured Products expects domestic engineers to begin specifying it for heavy-duty vehicles.

GEPAX sheet is the latest member of a thermoplastic family characterized by high impact resistance and exceptional stiffness. It replaces sheet products previously known as IMPAX, but retains the latter's material and processing properties and opaque polycarbonate composition.

Specifically developed for industrial environments previously dominated by metals and enhanced commodity plastics, GEPAX sheet resists most mineral oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and acids. It is also extremely durable, which is good for many situations in which rough handling is likely.

The material is well suited to many thermoforming applications, offering high deep-draw ratios and equal wall-thickness distribution. It can be formed into complex shapes using standard thermoforming equipment. Parts made from GEPAX sheet can often be assembled with plastics, metals, rubber, and other materials using many types of adhesive bonding, welding, and mechanical fastening. For functional or decorative reasons, GEPAX sheet can be painted with approved paint systems. Due to its abrasion resistance, the material is also used for areas that are subject to repeated handling. A further major advantage is a considerable weight savings over equivalent metal parts.