(Cary, N.C. – Dec. 3, 2013) – LORD Corporation announced it was honored with the Elite Supplier Award from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) for their work on the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH). This is LORD Corporation’s second Elite Supplier Award from KAI since 2009, and distinguishes the company in a group of only nine winners. LORD Corporation received the award at the 8th Annual KAI Supplier Symposium, held Oct. 27 at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul in South Korea and hosted approximately 240 participants.
LORD earned the award for its work on the KUH, including supply of the main and tail rotor spherical bearings and dampers. LORD, KAI and Korean Air engineers have collaborated since first partnering in February 2008 to design these critical components.
“We are honored to receive such a prestigious award from KAI,” said Bernie Chan, director of sales and marketing for LORD Corporation’s Asia Pacific region. “Achieving the title of elite supplier for two years is testament to LORD Corporation’s commitment to provide our partners with the components they need to offer their customers a superior product.”
The KUH main rotor damper uses LORD Corporation’s Fluidlastic technology for superior noise and vibration isolation as well as energy dissipation. In this design, the fluid technology is an improvement over traditional dampers because it eliminates the problematic sliding seals typically found in hydraulic dampers. The dampers can be designed with straight viscous damping or inertial damping, allowing for performance to be tailored with temperature and frequency. Fluidlastic technology has become an industry standard through a combination of high performance, ease of maintenance and efficient use of space.
While the KUH tail rotor damper is made of LORD customized elastomer and metal assembly, the main and tail rotor spherical bearings are made of high-capacity laminate (HCL), a technology which LORD was first to apply to helicopters to replace mechanical bearings in order to provide better vibration control and reduce the number of parts.
The goal of KAI’s Elite Supplier award is to strengthen relationships and provide opportunities with the KAI program, recognize suppliers for best performance and cooperation, and increase the overall level of supplier performance as long-term partners. The evaluation criteria for the award is determined by the life cycle of cost effectiveness, including risk assessment, delivery and service, quality and contract management.
About LORD Corporation
LORD Corporation is a diversified technology and manufacturing company developing highly reliable adhesives, coatings, motion management devices, and sensing technologies that significantly reduce risk and improve product performance. For nearly 90 years, LORD has worked in collaboration with our customers to provide innovative aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial solutions. With world headquarters in Cary, N.C. and 2012 revenues in excess of $860 million, LORD has more than 2,900 employees in 25 countries and operates 15 manufacturing facilities and nine R&D centers worldwide. LORD actively promotes STEM education and many other community engagement initiatives where we work and live. For more information, visit http://www.lord.com.
