High-Performance Metal Replacement Materials to Help Achieve Weight Reduction, Better Fuel Economy & Cost Savings
Victrex, the world’s leading manufacturer of VICTREX PEEK polymer, offers excellent, high-performance thermoplastics that allow engineers and designers to reach new levels of systems cost savings, differentiation, and quality. The polymer’s design and processing flexibility make it a great choice for aerospace applications.
VICTREX PEEK Polymers for Reliable Replacement of Metal and Thermoset Composites
VICTREX PEEK polymers may successfully replace metals such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium, brass, corrosion-resistant (CRES) or stainless steel and specialty alloys because it offers a unique combination of mechanical, thermal and tribological properties, combined with excellent chemical resistance and electrical performance, for use in aircraft components including wing, engine and fuel systems. VICTREX PEEK polymers can be used as a matrix for thermoplastic composite prepregs reinforced with carbon, glass or aramid continuous fibers. VICTREX PEEK-based composites offer a recyclable, lean manufacturing solution with higher fracture toughness versus epoxy.
Several VICTREX PEEK polymer grades and compounds are available to maximize mechanical properties and improve moldability. It is readily available in finished form such as stock shapes, injection and compression molded parts, films and coatings. Victrex has introduced APTIV™ Films and VICOTE® Coatings - based on VICTREX PEEK polymer - to optimize consistency in a range of product forms. Extruded VICTREX PEEK pipe/tubing is also available in a range of sizes.
Quality Replacement Materials for Metals in Aerospace Applications
Aerospace engineers require lightweight materials that offer processing flexibility, reduce manufacturing costs, and provide durability in harsh environments. VICTREX PEEK polymer has successfully displaced metals, traditional thermoset composites and other plastics in a growing number of aerospace applications. It is exceptionally strong, lightweight, inherently flame retardant, and can be easily fabricated into tight tolerance parts.
VICTREX PEEK polymer has been specified in both commercial and military aircraft components for over twenty years. It has been officially qualified by many aircraft manufacturers globally. VICTREX PEEK-based products can be supplied to the military specification MIL-P-46183. APTIV based cover-film laminates meet FAA FAR 25.856(a) radiant panel testing which mandates the improved resistance to flame propagation for thermal and acoustic insulation blankets. In addition, APTIV films can be laminated to specialized burn-through barrier systems that meet FAA FAR 25.856(b).
Metal Replacement Benefits for the Aerospace Industry:
- High temperature performance
- Weight reduction
- Fuel economy
- Noise reduction
- Vibration dampening
- Fatigue performance
- Wear resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Hydrolysis resistance
- Fire, smoke and toxicity performance
- Electrical properties
VICTREX PEEK Polymer Aerospace Successes:
VICTREX PEEK polymer has successfully been used on a wide range of aircrafts in both pressurized and unpressurized zones. Durability, flame retardant properties, low smoke and toxicity enhance interior applications and complementary systems. Chemical and ozone resistance, thermal properties and impact resistance contribute to its success in exterior applications.
Electric Wire Bundle and Tubing Clamps:
VICTREX PEEK polymer has been coupled with a proprietary silicone overmolding process from Amphenol PCD to create a new line of wiring and tubing clamps that deliver significant weight and cost savings on the new Boeing 787 aircraft.
Benefits of VICTREX PEEK:- Weight reduction of approximately 20% vs.stainless steel
- Part count is reduced by consolidation
- Completely non-corrosive and non-conductive
- Scalable design available in a range of sizes:
- 15 P-clamps, 20 Omega clamps
- Compatible with wire bundles or tubes from 6 mm to 50 mm diameter
- Chemical resistance
- Easy installation for lean manufacturing
AEROSPACE BROCHURE
High temperature solutions for lightweight interior and exterior aerospace applications
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