Fluoropolymers, also known as fluoroplastics, are a type of polymer with unique properties and benefits, making them the appropriate choice for many applications in the aerospace sector. These low friction plastics are produced as films, sheets, tubing, coatings, sleeves, jackets, or custom welded solutions.
Applications for fluoropolymers in the aerospace industry include:
- Aircraft wings covers
- Electrical connectors
- Fuel system linings & wraps
- Air bearings
- Electric harness parts
- Control surfaces
- Electronic device trays
- Tank fuel seals
- Throttle box seals
- Arming components
- Engine and exhaust components
- Tank liners
- Tubing liners
- 3D printed and molded parts for repair
- Wire & cable insulation
- Fluid transfer devices
- Packaging
- Covering sensitive electrical components
- Sleeve items that require light transmission
- Bearings, gears, and slides
Decades of Working Life – The Durability and Longevity of Fluoropolymers
What is your weakest flight system? Can we let that system fail today? What about tomorrow? Fluoropolymers have a high resistance to temperature, chemical/weathering effects, as well as robust mechanical strength over time. This makes them an ideal material for various aerospace applications like engine parts and aircraft interiors. Stress testing for longevity is great for many components of a flight system, but what about material and electric charge buildup? Don’t risk it, just wrap it in PTFE to prevent corrosion and other forms of damage.
The Importance of Lightweight Materials in Aerospace
Weight is a critical factor in the aerospace industry, and reducing weight is a top priority for engineers and designers. Fluoropolymers offer a unique combination of strength, low weight and high durability, making them ideal for use in a variety of lightweight aerospace components. These include fuel and oil lines, seals, wing leads, and electrical insulation.
The Importance of Low Friction and Wear Resistance in Aerospace Applications
In order to reduce the maintenance costs and ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircrafts, it is important to choose robust and low-friction materials. Fluoropolymers offer these benefits, as they have a low coefficient of friction. Ideal for use in moving parts such as gears, bearings, and hydraulic systems.
The Benefits of Fluoropolymers for Electrical Insulation in Aerospace
Fluoropolymers are also used in electrical insulation applications, as they have a high dielectric strength and good electrical insulation properties. Fluoropolymers have extremely low conductivity, high insulating durability, and high heat resistance. Our products accommodate a wide range of flexibility and unique shapes. This is not simply a wire wrap ase custom weld and seam fluoropolymer sheet good into robust forms that are designed to last for decades even under harsh conditions.
Food and Water Safety In Aerospace –
The aerospace industry must follow a number of food safety guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of the food served on board aircrafts. We offer more than just wraps, jackets and sleeves. Any component that is part of a food contact system can be custom coated with fluoropolymers to prevent bioaccumulation and help flight crews stay sanitary in confined environments. Our materials are extremely simple to sanitize and can even be formulated with antimicrobial additives to enhance food safety.
Do Not Hesitate To Reach Out
The thriving aerospace industry requires space age materials for flight ready systems here on Earth, and beyond. Our team at Fluoron was founded by the plastics legend Frank Chapman, and carries forward the lessons and institutional knowledge from more than 65 years in the business. Fluoron’s products have already changed how the world makes paper, processes food, and cleans fuel tanks. Let us be your partners for the thoughtful selection of the polymers, and processes, and the careful processing and fabrication of important components needed for the launch of these great missionsMany of our customers have unique and challenging problems, but don’t worry, Fluoron strives to first understand our customer’s unique problems, and then solve it, so please do not hesitate to reach out with your special project.