Thermoplastic aerospace parts have always been important assets in aerospace plastic injection molding manufacturing. They are known for their stability, light weight, good scratch resistance, and durability. It is no surprise that the use of thermoplastics and composite materials in the aerospace industry is increasing every day.
They are highly advantageous in reducing the weight of the aircraft and increasing savings. Leading airplane manufacturers utilize thermoplastics for components such as keel beams, rudder and elevator tail sections, and the leading edges of fixed wings.
Another type of polymer that is also used at times is thermosetting polymer or thermosets. There have been talks about whether thermosets are a better option than thermoplastics. When the two are compared with each other, thermoplastic is the polymer that stands out.
Why Thermoplastic is a Better Option for the Aerospace Industry
There are a number of reasons why thermoplastic is considered better for aerospace components:
• High Safety Performance: One of the biggest reasons for the use of thermoplastics in the aerospace industry is that they are extremely safe for use in an application. They offer amazing performance in terms of smoke, toxicity, and flammability.
• Better Molding Capabilities: Thermoplastics can be easily shaped and formed into components as they are melt processable polymers. They can be heated and melted to create a component of a required size and shape. Thermosets however, cannot be reformed or reshaped as they crosslink when they undergo a heating process.
• Perpetual Shelf Life: Thermoplastics consist of raw materials that have almost an infinite shelf life. This leads to greater savings in expenditure costs as compared to thermosets, which have a shelf life of 6 months. Thermosets also require specialized refrigeration to stay at peak level till they are used in the manufacturing process.
• Immense Strength and Tolerance: The amount of resistance to impact and damages of thermoplastics is 4 times higher than that of thermosets. Thermoplastics also provide amazing resistance to a variety of chemicals and aircraft fluids.
• Enormous Cost Reduction: Thermoplastics consist of fast heating, forming, and cooling capabilities. This leads to low energy costs and substantial savings. Thermoplastic manufacturing also reduces costs in terms of equipment, labor, and waste material disposal.
These are just some of the reasons that highlight the importance of thermoplastics. It is safe to say that thermoplastics are a boon to the aerospace industry.
