Plastic for Aerospace & Aviation

Plastics are a natural fit for aviation and aerospace applications. They are more lightweight than metal which helps reduce overall fuel consumption, and unlike metal will not rust. Easily machined and fabricated, many plastics feature enhanced durability, superior impact resistance, and excellent thermal resistance. Unlike metal, high performance plastics such as PEEK and PPS are corrosion resistant and have good electrical insulation properties in additional to excellent mechanical properties.

Plastics are used in aircraft equipment and components ranging from fuselage and propulsion parts to ball bearings, oxygen systems, landing gear, and other essential aircraft systems.

Plastic materials for aviation and aerospace fall under NAICS code #334511, 541715, 334511, 334519, 336320, 336360, 336411, 336412, and 336413 as well as SIC #3721 & 3728.

• [Boltaron^® Datasheet]
• [Acrylic Datasheet]
• [Kydex^® Datasheet]
• [PEEK Datasheet]
• [Polycarbonate Datasheet]

Plastics used in aerospace applications include Boltaron^®, acrylic, polycarbonate, PPS, PEEK, Torlon, Ultem^®, Kydex^®, and phenolics.

Unlike the main body of the plane, which is typically made from metals like aluminum or composites, interior aircraft components are made from plastic. Overhead bins, tray tables, and seating features are made from plastic due to their inherently lighter weight and better durability compared to metal. Lighter components may extend an aircraft's flight range, decrease fuel consumption, and help with maneuvering.

High performance plastics like PEEK replace metal in the aerospace industry and provide a design choice when excellent mechanical properties, light weight, and high temperature resistance are needed. High performance plastics often possess great electrical insulation properties and are used for components in a variety of aircraft systems, such as chilling systems, oxygen systems, and actuation and control systems.