Light weight material
In the constant attempt to reduce weight and make airplanes and automotive more fuel efficient, metal parts are being replaced by plastic alternatives that are about 50% lighter than comparable parts made of aluminum. Depending on the type, they also have similar specific strength, have a much higher corrosion resistance (in contrast to metal), withstand extreme temperatures, and perform excellently in dynamic applications.
Contin develops a new global line of advanced thermoplastic lightweighting solutions designed to make flight more efficient and cost-effective. These technologies integrate the world’s broadest range of high performance polymer systems and the complementary skills of other innovators within the industry, including 3A Composites.
Products include advanced thermoplastic foams and sandwich structures. These materials provide lighter alternatives to traditional materials used in aircraft floor to ceiling applications, radomes, cargo compartments, engine covers and other systems. As the aircraft industry aims to reduce weight and fuel costs, these materials are increasingly replacing metal and heavier plastics. In addition to providing significant weight reduction, they offer enhanced durability, and reduced part making and maintenance costs.
Key Features:
- Thin-ply (typical 72 gsm/FAW), expanded design space
- Overmolding integrates features and reduces part count
- Indefinite shelf life at ambient temperature
- 100 % recyclable
- Glass fiber and carbon fiber based
Benefits:
- Performance and properties comparable to epoxy based composites
- Fully compatible with high speed molding machines for mass production rate of productivity
- Compelling price-to-performance ratio supports cost reduction strategies
