As high-performance plastics become more advanced, aerospace engineers are increasingly turning to plastics for critical aircraft parts. Here are some of the top materials for aerospace applications and their qualities:
- UHMW – Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) is a high-strength, low-cost plastic that is resistant to impact, abrasion, solvents and fuel and offers excellent performance across a broad range of temperatures. Plastic components made from UHMW improve equipment efficiency, provide noise reduction, and offer excellent wear resistance for components subjected to moderate wear. UHMW also has high impact resistance; extremely low moisture absorption; excellent strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability; and is easily machined and fabricated.
- Torlon (PAI) – Torlon is a polyamide-imide (PAI) that offers a high strength and stiffness at extreme temperatures that few other plastics can match. It is flame retardant, resistant to radiation and most chemicals at room temperature, and doesn’t emit smoke when burning. These properties make it a common choice to replace metal components in aircrafts, helping increase passenger safety. Torlon also has excellent heat and pressure resistance and self-lubricating properties, making it ideal for bearings.
- Ultem – Part of the thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) family of resins, Ultem combines superior mechanical, thermal and electrical properties with processability, providing engineers with outstanding flexibility and freedom. It is one of the most dimensionally stable thermoplastics available, is inherently flame resistance, has excellent strength and stiffness, and offers broad chemical resistance. It also has excellent stress and cracking resistance when exposed to aircraft and automotive fluids, alcohols, acids, and more.
- Nylon – Nylon is a high-strength thermoplastic linear polyamide that offers excellent temperature resistance and chemical compatibility. It is a popular replacements for metal parts in engineering applications thanks to its high wear, abrasion, and impact resistance. It is also lightweight, easy to machine, and cost-effective.
- Teflon (PTFE) – PTFE (better known as Teflon) is a fluorocarbon polymer that has a larger operating temperature range, high flexural strength, high electrical resistance and dielectric strength, and low flammability. Pure PTFE is almost totally chemically inert and highly insoluble in most solvents or chemicals. It also has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any solid known to man.
- PEEK – Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) a hard, stiff, strong polymer that excels in a variety of harsh environments, including high temperatures, chemicals and heavy loads. PEEK has low flammability, superior creep resistance, and can withstand prolonged exposure to high-pressure water and steam without degradation. It also available in a variety of grades which offer more specialized benefits for specific applications.
- Vespel® – One of the most popular materials for aerospace applications, Vespel® combines the best properties of ceramics, metals and plastics into one. From excellent temperature resistance (able to endure temperatures up to 900ºF for limited periods) to chemical compatibility (shows no effect in response to fuels, solvents, industrial hydraulic fluids, oil, and more), Vespel® performs well in a variety of aerospace applications. It also has a low wear rate and a low, constant CF, making it perfect for bearings and other high-wear and friction parts.
Reading Plastic: An Experienced Provider of Superior Plastic Aerospace Parts
If you are trying to choose the right materials for aerospace applications, call the experts at Reading Plastic today: 610-926-3245. We can help you choose the right plastic for the job and deliver high-quality parts with tight tolerances in a timely manner.
