Aerospace Components and Their Materials

Some Common Types of Components in the Aerospace Sector

At RP Technologies, we’ve manufactured all kinds of aerospace components using a range of different industry-approved materials.

We have taken great care to produce aerospace components which are robust, reliable, and of the highest possible quality.

There are a variety of plastic injection moulded components which can be manufactured for the aerospace industry.

These components must be reliable, safe, hardwearing, and functionally effective.

Here are a few examples of the types of plastic components which we have helped to produce over the years. Some of them are for internal spaces and some for external:

• Window Reveals, Shades and Dust Panes
• Seating
• Partitions
• Dashboard enclosures
• Heat exchangers
• Manifolds
• Fuel nozzles

Each component must be subject to rigorous testing and development prior to approval.

Commonly Used Materials in the Aerospace Sector

There are many important things to consider when choosing an appropriate material for the manufacture of aerospace components.

In terms of plastics, the right grade of material must be taken into consideration. Important factors include weight (which is important as it has implications for safety and fuel consumption), safety, and durability.

Some commonly used plastics in the aerospace sector include PAI, ECTFE, PTFE, PEEK, PPSU, and PVC-Acrylic. Plastics weigh less than metal, they don’t rust, and they are easy to fabricate. 

There are many plastic materials that are also fully Flame, Smoke, Toxicity and Heat Release compliant. Plastics also offer a broad range of design flexibility in terms of colour, texture, and pattern options.

Here are some of the main plastics widely employed in the aerospace sector:

Polyetheretherketone

Highly resistant and can withstand water, temperature, radiation, and steam without risk of degradation.

Polyetheretherketone can be used in seating and for internal cabin features.

It has excellent thermal mechanical properties, including low flammability.

Thermosetting Polyimide

Thermosetting Polyimide has high resistance to chemicals and exhibits excellent mechanical properties.

It can be used in insulators and electrical spacers for threaded nuts and other components.

Polyamide-imide (PAI)

PAI is resistant to most chemicals and radiation at room temperature.

It is flame retardant and doesn’t omit smoke when burning. 

PAI also has tremendous molecular strength.

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)

PCTFE is resistant to chemicals and fire.

It also has low moisture absorption and can tolerate extreme temperatures.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is an electrical insulator and is often used for insulating cables in aircraft. 

It is highly resistant and has low flammability.