The use of plastics in aerospace components has quadrupled in the last 45 years, thanks to the unique properties of plastics that make them perfectly suited to aerospace applications. From reducing weight to increasing safety, advanced engineering plastics offer a host of benefits and create new possibilities for aerospace design.
The Benefits of Using Advanced Plastics in Aerospace Components
- Weight reduction – Reducing an aircraft’s weight leads to considerable fuel savings. For each pound of weight reduced on a plane, $1,000 of fuel is saved over the lifetime of the aircraft. Plastics can make lighter aircraft without compromising strength and durability. They offer equal strength to that of metal or aluminum at one-seventh to half the weight.
- High thermal and mechanical stability – High-performance plastics can withstand extremely high temperatures without damage to their mechanical properties. PEEK, for example, can operate continuously at 500ºF, making it a good candidate for engine and propulsion components.
- Corrosion and chemical resistance – Unlike metals, plastics will not corrode due to moisture exposure. Many advanced plastics also have excellent chemical and acid resistance, enduring prolonged exposure to jet fuels and oils without damage or corrosion.
- Increased safety – Certain engineering plastics are inherently flame resistant and have low smoke emission, two key factors for improving passenger survival rates. Additionally, clear plastics can be used to replace glass as they are lighter in weight and have greater impact resistance, reducing the likelihood of shattering.
- Better performance from bearings and shafts – Many aircraft bearings and shafts require a high degree of surface lubrication, but are difficult to lubricate due to their locating. With self-lubricating plastics, these aerospace components have longer life with minimal maintenance, and some plastics can even run dry should lubrication fail.
- Electrical insulation – Plastics have a natural ability to insulate, and some plastics offer close to zero conductivity. For military applications, plastics even provide effective insulation from radar and are used to avoid detection.
- Greater design possibilities – Plastics offer tremendous flexibility in design, holding tight tolerances similar to those of metal parts while being capable of more complex geometries. Today’s aerospace engineers have a wide range of high-performance thermoplastics and composites to choose from, to best meet the requirements of any application.
Choosing the Right Plastics Manufacturer for Your Aerospace Components
Not all plastics manufacturing companies are equipped to produce high-quality aerospace components. You want to be sure you choose a company with a proven track record of delivering high-quality plastic parts that meet all FAA standards. At Reading Plastic, we have the skills and equipment to machine sophisticated, high-quality aerospace components that meet the most demanding standards and requirements. If you need superior plastic aerospace components, call us today at 610-926-3245.
