Aerospace Engineering Plastics for Custom Parts
The aerospace industry comprises aircraft and spacecraft, and includes equipment related to flight and flight-related operations within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere. High-performance plastics have gained wide acceptance across the industry for their reliability in meeting the complex and demanding application requirements associated with aerospace equipment. Their growth also stems from the drive to reduce mass, a key advantage of lightweight plastics over metal.
advantage
What Are the Main Advantages of High-Performance Plastics in Aerospace Components?
- Safety: Used in selected interior components, electrical connectors, and insulation parts that must meet specific flame and smoke requirements.
- Lightweight Design: Suitable for brackets, housings, clips, and structural support components where reducing weight is important.
- Strength and Stiffness: Used in precision gears, load-bearing supports, and mechanical components exposed to vibration and repeated loading.
- High-Temperature Resistance: Suitable for components near engines, thermal systems, and other areas exposed to elevated temperatures, subject to grade limitations.
- Low-Temperature Performance: Used in selected seals, valve components, and cryogenic system parts designed for low-temperature service.
- Radiation Resistance: Selected grades may be used in spacecraft components exposed to specific radiation environments.
- Friction and Wear Resistance: Applied in bearings, bushings, thrust washers, and gears to reduce wear and maintenance requirements.
- Chemical Resistance: Suitable for components exposed to fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other aerospace chemicals.
- Low Vacuum Outgassing: Used in selected spacecraft mechanisms, instrument components, and vacuum-system parts where contamination must be controlled.
- Thermal and Electrical Insulation: Applied in electrical connectors, insulating supports, cable components, and thermal-management assemblies.
how to use
How Do Aerospace and Defense Companies Use Great Plastics?
solutions
Engineered Solutions for Key Aerospace & Defense Systems
Airframe & Structural Components
Custom-machined brackets, housings, support blocks, and mounting components made from high-performance plastics. PEEK, PEI, and PAI are options for applications requiring a balance of strength, dimensional stability, and reduced weight.
Avionics, Satellite & Communication
Custom electrical insulators, connector components, equipment housings, and precision parts for avionics and communication systems. PEEK, PI, and PEI can be selected based on electrical insulation, thermal stability, and application requirements.
Propulsion & Mechanical Systems
Precision-machined seals, bushings, bearing components, and wear parts for demanding mechanical environments. PEEK, PAI, and PI grades can help address high temperatures, friction, and wear, depending on operating conditions.
Drone & Aerospace Equipment
Lightweight housings, brackets, mounting components, and custom-machined parts for drones and aerospace equipment. PEEK, PPS, PI, PAI, and PEI offer material options for applications requiring heat resistance, mechanical performance, and electrical insulation.
Material Selection
High-Performance Plastic Material Selection for Aerospace Applications
| Material | Typical Maximum Continuous Service Temperature | Key Aerospace & Defense Properties |
|---|---|---|
| PEEK | Approx. 250°C (482°F) | High mechanical strength, wear resistance and chemical resistance. |
| PPS | Grade-dependent; typically up to 220°C (428°F) | Chemical resistance, dimensional stability and electrical insulation. |
| PI | Grade-dependent; some grades exceed 260°C (500°F) | High-temperature capability, wear resistance and potential for low outgassing in vacuum applications. |
| PAI | Grade-dependent; some grades support continuous service near 260°C (500°F) | High strength, stiffness, wear resistance and dimensional stability. |
| PEI | Approx. 170°C (338°F) | Electrical insulation, inherent flame resistance and dimensional stability. |
Services
Manufacturing Services for Aerospace Products
| Leverage the same speed, precision, and reliability in machining that you’re accustomed to at Great plastics but unlock advanced machining capabilities like tighter tolerances and volume pricing through our manufacturing network. Learn more→ |
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| Get affordable, high-quality molded parts and bridge tooling within days. With our free moldability consultation, the design and molding process is rapidly accelerated to save you time and money. Learn more→ |
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| Want quality parts and additive expertise at a single 3D printing source? Choose from fore different additive manufacturing technologies for cost-effective prototyping and highly precise, repeatable production parts. Learn more→ |
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