Plastic solutions for the highest aerospace requirements

Engineering and high performance plastics are used in many different areas of the aerospace industry, contributing to efficiency and economy in a wide range of applications. At Ensinger, we can draw on many years of experience in both the technical and business sectors, which enables us to meet the especially high demands placed on plastics and solutions that are specific to the aerospace industry.
The properties of Ensinger's high performance and engineering materials meet the technical requirements of many systems and subsystems used in today's ultra-modern aircraft structures. The benefits of using lightweight aircraft materials in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction are well known. Furthermore, these factors can also lead to longer component life. Our aerospace materials are also resistant to corrosion when used in aerospace applications. The key properties of high performance plastics include low weight, high strength and very good chemical resistance. A significant reduction in weight can be achieved by replacing aluminum or steel, as many of our high performance polymers have a density of approximately 1.3 g/cm3. On the other hand, aluminum for example has a density of 2.7 g/cm3

Working closely with many leading aerospace companies and system manufacturers, the Ensinger team has built an impressive track record as a supplier to the aerospace industry over many years, developing optimum solutions for high performance aerospace plastics. Ensinger is a long-standing, recognised partner of renowned OEMs in the aerospace industry, such as Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier. In addition, Ensinger has experience with the industry´s preferred Tier 1 suppliers at all levels of the supply chain. As a reliable, competent supplier, Ensinger offers industry-specific know-how and in-depth experience in the field of aerospace plastics and their processing into sophisticated, innovative aircraft components.


Aerospace Material Solutions

Ensinger supplies a wide range of aerospace components used in aircraft. Manufacturers have chosen to take advantage of polymers, which are used extensively in place of metal alloys. We offer a wide range of materials that are tested and approved to the specifications of our aerospace customers. Aerospace materials from Ensinger can be tested, certified and approved according to specific requirements. This process ranges from the testing of the raw material to the final inspection of the machined or semi-finished aerospace components.

Solutions for Space Industry

As a supplier to the space industry, Ensinger offers plastics that have been approved for many applications. In satellites, for example, components are used for solar array development systems, cable insulating blocks and platform systems. Ensinger's aerospace materials undergo the specific tests required by the end user in order to meet the stringent requirements for aerospace supply.
Typical requirements that Ensinger's aerospace materials meet include:

  • high strength under severe vibration
  • low/ultra-low outgassing in vacuum and
  • resistance to high radiation levels

Ensinger has gained experience in working with companies such as Airbus Defense and Space as well as various institutes/universities for the space sector.


Benefits for the aerospace industry

Material qualification to FAR 25.853/JAR 25.853 for aircraft interiors 

In accordance with the requirements of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), many of our materials are tested and approved in accordance with FAR 25.853 / JAR 25.853 to ensure fire safety in aircraft. These standards can be transferred to internal requirements documents of Boeing and Airbus due to content comparability.

Ensinger on the Qualified Parts List

Ensinger is one of the few plastics manufacturers to be listed on the Qualified Parts List (QPL) of Airbus, Boeing and other well-known OEMs. This means that we are authorised to supply plastic parts for demanding applications such as structural components for the aerospace industry.

Expertise in AS/EN 9100

Ensinger operates four machining plants certified to AS/EN 9100: in France, the UK, China and the USA. These have been approved for various machining processes from leading companies in the aerospace industry.

Material specified

Ensinger supports Airbus, Boeing and other well-known aerospace OEMs in the preparation of specifications. As a result, a large number of our materials and semi-finished products are certified in accordance with the demanding specifications of the OEMs.

One-Stop Shop Solution Provider - Everything from a Single Source

Ensinger value chain for the aerospace industry
As a full-service solution provider for plastics solutions in the aerospace industry, Ensinger relies on a fully integrated value chain with a cross-divisional approach: we manufacture individual plastic compounds and composites adapted to the respective aerospace application, produce semi-finished products in the form of sheets, tubes and rods according to the specifications of well-known OEMs and manufacture injection molded or sintered components. In addition, we are able to offer in-house processing technologies such as additive manufacturing or machining. Services such as surface treatment, cleaning processes, assembly, packaging and labelling are also offered. This range of services is complemented by industry specific, expert advice. We are here to accompany you from concept development to the release and approval of the end product. With these cross-divisional and comprehensive services, we see ourselves as a one-stop shop with core competence in high performance plastics and composites for aerospace technology.

finished aerospace parts from ensinger

Aerospace products from Ensinger


Solutions for aerospace - Aircraft plastic

  • When selecting aerospace plastics, specific strength is a key indicator for materials with high mechanical performance. This determines the tensile strength of a material in relation to its density and also the strength to weight ratio.
  • Plastics can come into contact with different types of radiation, depending on the area of application. Applications such as outer plane covers or satellite parts are examples of applications where radiation resistance is important.
  • Plastics used in aerospace for propulsion components, control units or landing gear parts require good electrical insulation properties.
  • Our portfolio of aerospace plastics includes materials that meet the flammability standards specified in FAR 25.853. Our materials are continuously tested for flammability, smoke and toxicity. Many materials are suitable for cabin interior applications.
  • Dissipation of electrostatic charge is essential for aerospace applications where highly sensitive electronic components are present.
  • Many aerospace plastic applications require heat resistant materials that also offer good resistance to aging.
  • Outgassing properties are important in the selection of materials used in aerospace applications that are exposed to a vacuum.

APPLICATIONS IN INTERIORS

FAR 25.853 tested and flame resistant aircraft plastics

When it comes to lighting, seats, galleys or cockpit equipment, Ensinger has a large portfolio of performance plastics to meet the requirements asked for in aircraft interior applications. The materials are "ready for use" and thus new designs or design improvements are possible for all kinds of aircraft.

Applications in the aerostructure

CO2-free lightweight material solutions for the aerospace industry

Thermoplastics offer lightweight solutions wherever good mechanical properties combined with resistance to stress, chemicals, oils and greases are required. Ensinger offers thermoplastic polymers as compounds, composites, filaments, rods, tubes and plates, as well as finished parts with these types of characteristics.

Electrical bracket for airplane made from TECAMID 66 GF35 natural

Electrical bracket

Used in the structure area of aircrafts

  • Very stiff
  • Good heat deflection temperature
  • Resistant to many oils, greases and fuels
  • Good wear properties
  • Very good strength
  • High dimensional stability

Extruded and machined TECAMID 66 GF35 natural.

Lubespool for airplane made from TECAFORM AD black

Lube spool made from TECAFORM AD black

Delrin was selected because of the excellent properties:

  • Light weight
  • Good chemical resistance to aviation oils, greases and fuels
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Good strength
  • Good machinability
  • Long service life
Steering cylinder for airplane made from TECAPEEK PVX black

Steering cylinder

Steering Cylinder in an landing gear system (aircraft)

  • Light weight
  • Inherent flame retardant
  • Good heat deflection temperature
  • Very good chemical resistance
  • Good slide and wear properties
  • High creep resistance

Extruded and machined TECAPEEK PVX black.


AEROSPACE CASE STUDIES

Bepi Colombo

Thermal spacer

made of TECASINT

With Bepi Colombo to Mercury

Ensingers TECASINT material is part of Europe's first mission to Mercury with BepiColombo. The spacecraft for the mission are dependent on the function of the thermal control system (TCS), which keeps all the spacecraft's component systems within an acceptable temperature range during every phase of the mission. One part of the TCS is a thermal spacer, which functions as a barrier to high temperatures and radiation. This thermal spacer is a ring shaped plate made of TECASINT.
 
J-Hook

J-Hook

made of TECATEC PEI GW50 natural composite plates

Structural component for an airplane seat («J-hook»)

The aircraft industry exacts the highest requirements for installed materials: Low weight, high mechanical properties, fatigue resistance as well as stringent FST requirements are mandatory. Aircraft interior applications often see the use of glass fibre reinforced polyetherimide (PEI).

Visit us at fairs and events

                      
Date Event  Booth        Place Country
 05. - 07. March 2024  JEC World  6H57  Paris  France 
 12. - 13. March 2024  Paris Space Week  -   Paris  France
 12. - 14. March 2024  BCI Aerospace  -  Seattle, WA  USA
 19. - 21. November 2024  Space Tech Expo  6, V51  Bremen  Germany
 26. - 27. November 2024  Aviation Forum  -  Munich  Germany

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON AEROSPACE PLASTIC MATERIAL

  • Our product portfolio includes materials with specific fire behaviour, verified by relevant testing. Find out more:
  • The European Aviation Safety Agency and the Society of Aerospace Engineers offer additional useful information on their websites: European Aviation Safety Agency and Society of Aerospace Engineers.
  • Statutory regulations only apply to aviation approved corporations. Requirements imposed on subcontractors are generally regulated by means of contractual agreement.
  • As a result of bilateral agreements, the two organizations are virtually identical. The American FAA regulation is considered to be the global leader.

    For more information on the European Aviation Safety Agency, visit: www.easa.europa.eu

  • Only the contractual rulings between the manufacturing company and supplier have to be adhered to for aviation-specific applications.

  • Statutory regulations only apply to aviation-approved corporations. All other points have to be regulated in supply agreements. Consequently, the customer is required to inform its supplier of a change to the requirements by amending the supply agreements. There is no explicit duty of notification on the part of the customer. However, where applicable, the customer is required to adjust its specifications / supply agreements with the supplier.
  • The European Aviation Safety Agency and the Society of Aerospace Engineers offer additional useful information on their websites: European Aviation Safety Agency and Society of Aerospace Engineers.