News & Insights

Find Out What We’ve Been Up to,
What’s Current and What’s Next

Get the latest news on the precision machining industry and
AIP company announcements.

WHY HIGH-PERFORMANCE POLYMERS ARE MAKING METAL OBSOLETE IN EVTOL AIRCRAFT DESIGN

April 29, 2025

The electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft market is witnessing unprecedented growth, projected to surge from $8.5 billion in 2021 to $30.8 billion by 2030. With over 250 eVTOL projects currently under development worldwide, manufacturers face a critical challenge: finding materials that deliver optimal performance while reducing weight and operational costs. High-performance polymers are emerging as game-changing alternatives to traditional metals in eVTOL aircraft design. Specifically, these advanced materials... Read More

Advanced Polymer Manufacturing: Solving Subsea Component Challenges

  In the demanding world of subsea operations, components must withstand extreme pressures, corrosive chemicals, and harsh environmental conditions. Precision machining and additive manufacturing have emerged as crucial technologies for producing high-performance polymer components that meet these challenging requirements. High-performance polymers, particularly PEEK and Carbon PEEK, are revolutionizing subsea applications through their exceptional chemical resistance and mechanical properties. The ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED demonstrates this advancement with its ability to process... Read More

MOISTURE ABSORPTION IN POLYMERS: CRITICAL FACTORS FOR AEROSPACE GRADE STABILITY

March 18, 2025

For aerospace applications, dimensional stability stands as a crucial requirement where even minor changes can affect component fit and function. High-performance polymers like PEEK, PPS, and PAI have emerged as preferred choices due to their exceptional resistance to moisture absorption. However, the equilibrium moisture content varies based on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, making it essential to understand and control these variables. Moisture absorption in polymers can lead to... Read More

HOW PEEK CONNECTORS IMPROVE RELIABILITY IN HIGH-VIBRATION AEROSPACE SYSTEMS

February 25, 2025

Aircraft components face up to 2.5G of vibration force in normal flight operations. This creates major challenges for electrical and mechanical systems. The intense vibrations can threaten connector reliability and cause critical system failures when systems can’t withstand these forces. At AIP, we create PEEK parts that tackle these aerospace vibration challenges effectively. These aerospace PEEK parts and connectors utilize unique material properties that boost durability and reliability in flight... Read More

ADVANCED POLYMERS IN ROCKET PROPULSION: ENHANCING SEALS, SEATS, AND BUSHINGS

February 24, 2025

Today's rocket engines produce thrust that goes beyond 200,000 pounds while working in extreme temperatures from -423°F to 6,000°F. These intense conditions mean that every part of the rocket engine must perform exceptionally well, particularly the key components that keep the system running safely. Traditional materials struggle to meet these tough requirements. Our work with advanced polymers like Vespel®, Torlon®, and PEEK has transformed how we design and build seals,... Read More