Thermoplastic composites are making an impressive mark on the aerospace industry today. Manufacturers are achieving reduced manufacturing cycle times of 80 percent, products are up to 50% lighter compared to earlier iterations and sustainability is far more advanced than we’ve seen in years past.
Thermoplastic composites are getting a lot of attention these days as the aerospace industry increasingly uses them to replace various metallic and thermoset composite parts.
In a famous quote from the timeless 1967 movie "The Graduate," a young Dustin Hoffman receives some prescient advice. His father's friend tells him about the path to future success: "One word…plastics." Few would have believed then that even airplanes would one day be built out of plastics.
Aircraft structures made with thermoplastic composites can reduce operating costs and make flight more sustainable.
Up to 50% weight reduction compared to metallic structures and 20% lighter than thermoset structures
Supported aircraft platforms – and growing
Up to 80% reduction in manufacturing cycle time compared to thermoset
Potential for 100% recyclability at the end of its lifecycle
20+ research and development centers
~70k sq. ft. of manufacturing and office space
8 stamp forming presses
10 CNC trim stations
4,200 tools created
700° F temperature to mold materials
<400° F operating temperature
