The aerospace industry in Los Angeles makes worthwhile use of the potential of plastics. In fact, plastic features in nearly every aspect of aerospace parts manufacturing, especially in airplanes. This material is better than metal on many fronts, and it’s a more practical choice for the fabrication of aerospace components for a variety of reasons. Learn more about the use of plastics in the aerospace industry, why it’s the best material for the job – and how Polymershapes helps make it happen.
Aerospace Plastic vs. Metal
As an aerospace parts fabricator in Los Angeles that partners with aerospace manufacturers, we’ve learned something.
Once upon a time, metal was the material of choice for nearly every aerospace part. But in this aerospace arena, metal doesn’t hold a candle to the versatile capabilities of plastics designed for use as aerospace components.
Plastics are Lightweight
From a practical standpoint, plastic doesn’t weigh as much as metal, which is cumbersome and heavy, particularly when used for every part of the aircraft.
Whether you’re talking about an airplane or a rocket ship, aerospace crafts need to be lightweight. Metal doesn’t offer that feature when it comes to designing and fabricating some aerospace components.
Aircraft need to weigh as little as possible to save on fuel. A heavy craft requires more fuel to keep it aloft. Less fuel consumption not only saves money for the aircraft company but also for passengers. Using plastic aerospace components to remove one pound of weight from a plane can save 15,000 gallons of fuel annually.
Other Considerations For Choosing Plastics Over Metal
- Longevity: As a rule, the plastics used in aerospace parts or component manufacturing typically also last longer than metals.
- Durability: Plastic is more durable than metal because it doesn’t rust over time.
- Maintenance: Aircraft plastic parts take up less time and money in terms of maintenance.
- Manufacture and Repairs: Reproducing and replacing plastic parts is also easier. For example, thermoforming can create plastic aerospace components at a high volume and a quick speed.
- Safety: Plastic aerospace components have the power to enhance the overall safety of the aerospace industry in Los Angeles and around the rest of the country.
- Resistance in extreme environments: Numerous plastic materials are resistant to fire, heat, smoke, and chemicals.
Some Important Plastics For The Aerospace Industry
Aerospace plastic components aren’t built out of random plastic. The materials used here are flight-ready thermoplastics that have been engineered for extreme environments. Some common ones we work with at Polymershapes include:
- PEEK (Polyetheretherketone): A lightweight metal replacement that has exceptional chemical resistance and structural integrity at high temperatures.
- Ultem (PEI): This is the industry standard for plastic aerospace components used in cabin interiors due to its inherent flame, smoke, and toxicity resistance.
- Polycarbonate: High-impact, optically clear, along with other great properties of polycarbonate, make it suitable for use in cockpit enclosures, aircraft windshields, and mirrors.
- Acrylic: This is also a common choice for durable, clear aircraft windshields and light covers.
Applications in Aerospace
There’s no discounting the versatility of the plastics used in aerospace parts manufacturing. Many aerospace plastics are flexible, meaning you can pick out any color, pattern, or texture you want.
Due to the ability to easily mold plastic into an array of shapes, plastic aerospace components can feature in almost any area of the aircraft, including but not limited to:
- Beverage carts
- Cargo containers
- Cockpits
- Dashboard enclosures
- Nose cones
- Ceiling panels
- Wall partitions
- Seating parts
- Toilets
- Mirrors
Work With Us
As an aircraft parts manufacturing company that works with aircraft manufacturers, Polymershapes follows strict FAA regulations, like the FAR 25.853 for compartment interiors, and other quality management systems like the AS9100/ISO 9001 standards required in aerospace component manufacturing.
From CNC routing to drape forming, our plastic products portfolio reflects a tiny portion of our precision fabrication processes that deliver the traceability and quality assurance that you can rely on as an aerospace manufacturer.
We have more than 70 years of experience in fabricating aerospace components for manufacturers according to their specifications. Reach out to Polymershapes to discuss the aerospace industry in Los Angeles and your aerospace component needs.
