Plastic solutions that meet the high demands of the aerospace industry
At Ensinger we have many years of experience combining technical and commercial understanding, to meet the high demands on materials and solutions for the aerospace industry. Technical and high performance aerospace plastics contribute to making applications more efficient and competitive in many areas of industry.
The characteristics of Ensinger's high-performance and engineering plastic materials meet the technical requirements for many of the systems and subsystems used in today’s ultra-modern advanced composite aircraft. The advantages of using lower weight materials for producing fuel efficient and low emission aircraft are clear, but there may also be benefits gained from the longer service life of components. Additionally, our aerospace materials are not affected by corrosion in the aviation operating environment.
The impressive properties of high performance plastics include their low weight and high strength. Significant weight savings can be achieved by switching from aluminum/steel, as many of our high performance polymers have a density of around 1.3 g/cm3 – in comparison, aluminium which has a density of 2.7 g/cm3.
Aircraft material solutions
Working in close cooperation with many of the leading aerospace companies and system manufacturers, Ensinger's team has established an impressive track record over many years as an aerospace supplier, developing optimum high performance plastic solutions, approved for use in the aviation industry. Ensinger's experience in the industry includes working with the industry's preferred Tier 1 suppliers.
Ensinger supplies a vast range of airplane components that are used in aircraft landing gear systems. All of the aircraft manufacturers have chosen to benefit from the use of polymers where alloys were previously used, to a significant extent. We have a wide range of materials that are tested and approved in accordance with aerospace customer’s specifications. Furthermore, Ensinger's materials can be tested, certified and approved to meet your specific, exacting requirements – from raw material inspection through to final inspection of the machined or semi finished aerospace components.
Solutions for the space industry
As a supplier to the space industry, Ensinger plastics are specified for many applications. In satellites, parts are used for applications such as solar array deployment systems, cable insulating blocks and platform systems.
Ensinger materials undergo the specific testing required by the end user to meet their arduous requirements for aerospace supply. Typical requirements met by Ensinger materials supplied to the space industry are high strength under severe vibration, low/ultra-low outgassing in vacuum, and resistance to high radiation levels. Ensinger has experience working with companies such as Airbus Defense and Space as well as with several space institutes/universities.
Benefits FOR Aerospace
AS/EN 9100 expertise at your disposal
Ensinger operates four machining plants that are certified according to AS/EN 9100: in France, Great Britain, China and USA. These have approvals for various machining processes from leading companies in the aerospace industry.
In addition, common materials such as PEEK, PA, POM, PEI, are specified by well-known OEM and Tier-1 suppliers.
Plug and play
When the going gets tough
Optimised operating economy
On time in full
Solutions for Aerospace
Plastics for aircraft interior applications
Our portfolio of aerospace plastics contains materials that meet fire behaviour standards in accordance with FAR 25.853. Our plastics are constantly tested for flammability, smoke and toxicity. Many materials are suitable for cabin interior applications.
Strong materials
Radiation resistant plastics
Electrically insulating materials
Conductive plastics
Heat resistant plastics
Low outgassing plastics
Finished and semi-finished parts FOR Aerospace
The complex machined parts for aerospace are produced in four Ensinger branches. They comply with precise standards concerning tolerances and surface finish. The companies in France, Great Britain, China and USA are certified according to AS/EN 9100.
For structural and semi-structural aerospace parts matrix materials such as PEEK, PEI and PPS are used for composites. Based on this the production of geometric complex parts is possible. The know-how of Ensinger opens up new opportunities in parts' design e.g. for clamps, cleats, leading edges and interior parts.
In the filaments you find the whole Ensinger expertise: from the compounds, which can be adjusted to customer requirements to the production of the filaments.
Strength, dimensional stability and creep resistance of parts made from TECASINT remain stable under extended mechanical strain and long service. High purity and low outgassing are more advantages of the non-meltable polyimides.
Stock shapes for Aerospace
Many of our materials are validated by leading aircraft manufacturers:
Applications in Aerostructure
Lightweight aerospace materials solutions to get carbon free
Thermoplastics offer lightweight solutions wherever applications demand good mechanical properties combined with resistance against stress and chemicals, oils and greases. Ensinger offers thermoplastic polymers with these properties as compounds, rods, tubes and plates or as finished parts.
Electrical bracket in the structure area
made from TECAMID 66 GF35 natural.
- Very stiff
- Good heat deflection temperature
- Resistant to many oils, greases and fuels
- Good wear properties
- Very good strength
- High dimensional stability
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 made from TECAPEEK PVX black
Steering Cylinder in an landing gear system
- Light weight
- Inherent flame retardant
- Good heat deflection temperature
- Very good chemical resistance
- Good slide and wear properties
- High creep resistance
Applications in Interiors
FAR 25.853 tested and flame resistant aircraft plastics
Lighting, seats, galleys or cockpit equipment: Ensinger plastics has a large portfolio 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 aircrafts.
Aerospace CASE STUDIES
With Bepi Colombo to Mercury
LED heat sink made from thermally conductive PPS
Cost-efficient greasing of your landing gear
Safe braking with modified PEEK
Mountings for electrical plug-in connections
VISIT US AT FAIRS AND EVENTS
Contact
You can reach us by our contact form, by email at [obfemailstart]YWVyb3NwYWNlQGVuc2luZ2VycGxhc3RpY3MuY29t[obfemailend] or by phone +49 7032 819 643.
Frequently Asked Questions on Aerospace Plastic Material
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Our product portfolio includes materials with specific fire behaviour, verified by relevant testing. Find out more:
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Generally speaking, the classification impacts on the processes used for component approval. This is set out in the basic Regulation 216/2008 under CS - 25: which has been adopted from the FAA. The POA holder (manufacturing company) is responsible for component classification. Here, classification and the necessary agreements / notifications must take place at the Aviation Agency.
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Statutory regulations only apply to aviation approved corporations. Requirements imposed on subcontractors are generally regulated by means of contractual agreement.
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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
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Only the contractual rulings between the manufacturing company and supplier have to be adhered to for aviation-specific applications.
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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.
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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.