Specific plastics for aerospace applications

The requirements being placed on new aerospace components are becoming more difficult than ever. The materials used in components are particularly important when it comes to the innovation and optimization processes for these parts. 

Our plastic stock shapes for use in the aerospace industry offer numerous advantages over other materials. In general, the following should be mentioned here:

  • A weight saving of up to 60% compared with aluminium - this reduces energy consumption significantly
  • Better and easier further processing into the component
  • Greater freedom in the component design, which in turn reduces manufacturing and assembly costs
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Inherently flame resistant
  • High specific strength thanks to fibre-reinforced plastics
  • Impressive gliding properties with excellent dry-running properties and freedom from maintenance during use
  • Low outgassing in a vacuum and good radiation resistance
  • More cost-effective solution than aluminium or titanium
A further advantage of plastics is the application-specific modification by means of fillers and additives. For example, in many cases it is possible to replace metals with fibre-reinforced plastics, since these have greater rigidity compared with unreinforced plastics.  

Requirements from the aerospace industry

In order to minimize the risks when it comes to material input, the plastic stock shapes must satisfy the detailed requirements of end customers and system suppliers. Depending on the area of application, different requirements apply. For each manufacturer, exists individually developed material specifications setting out the required material properties such as density, mechanical and thermal properties, and flammability. Ensinger works very closely with aerospace manufacturers and system suppliers to qualify the plastics for use in aerospace applications.

Requirements in accordance with FAR 25.853

In aircraft interiors, the requirements of FAR 25.853 must be fulfilled; the materials must pass material tests for example on flammability, smoke emission and thermal stress.
You can find our FAR 25.853-tested materials on the next page:

Plastics portfolio

Moreover, we have many stock shapes which meet the requirements of aircraft manufacturers.

Our team of experts is happy to support the aerospace industry with the selection of suitable materials and with technical questions. You can reach us via our contact form, by e-mail to [obfemailstart]YWVyb3NwYWNlQGVuc2luZ2VycGxhc3RpY3MuY29t[obfemailend] or by telephone at 1-800-869-4029.

You can find further information on applications and solutions here:

Downloads

Stock shapes: Plastics used in aerospace technology

The aerospace industry places high demands on materials. The impressive properties of high-performance plastics include their low weight and fire behaviour.

Machined Parts

In addition to semi-finished products we can also supply machined parts. We have various machine shops including two that are EN 9100 / AS 9100D certified:

  • Ensinger Machined Parts (UK)
  • Ensinger Machining (FR)
  • Ensinger Engineering Plastics (CN)
  • Ensinger Precision Components (USA)