News & Insights

Drawings of plastic parts often specify tolerances that are tighter than the practical limitations for dimensionally stable plastics. Unlike metals, plastics present unique engineering challenges due to their higher thermal expansion rates, moisture absorption properties, and residual stress behaviors that significantly impact dimensional stability. For instance, nylon can absorb moisture at an extreme rate, with test specimens showing an 8.8% increase in mass and a 2% increase in length at... Read More

When aerospace applications demand exceptional performance under extreme conditions, engineers often find themselves choosing between two elite high-performance thermoplastics: Vespel® and Torlon®. While Vespel® offers excellent thermal stability (Vespel® has the ability to maintain strength at temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand brief exposures to 900 degrees), chemical resistance, and dielectric strength, Torlon® provides even greater mechanical properties and load-bearing capabilities. In fact, both materials have carved out... Read More

Additive manufacturing aerospace parts can reduce weight by up to 70% compared to equivalent components made from lightweight alloys such as aluminum. This weight advantage is particularly significant in the aerospace industry, where removing just one kilogram from an aircraft can save hundreds of liters of fuel over its lifetime. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, additive technologies enable the production of complex geometries and intricate designs that would otherwise be difficult... Read More

Aerospace polymers significantly reduce aircraft weight by 50% compared to metal parts, revolutionizing how manufacturers approach structural component design. This weight reduction directly translates to improved fuel efficiency and substantially lower operational costs across the aviation industry. Furthermore, the global aerospace plastics market reached $7.61 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $13.89 billion by 2030, highlighting the increasing importance of these materials. High-performance thermoplastics like PEEK, ULTEM®,... Read More

Biocompatible plastics have revolutionized the medical implant industry, offering distinctive advantages over traditional materials for long-term implantation. These specialized synthetic polymers provide superior performance when used within the human body, ensuring devices don't trigger adverse reactions. Specifically, PEEK (polyether ether ketone) stands as one of the most common polymer choices for implantable medical devices, available in FDA and USP Class VI approved medical grades. Since receiving FDA approval in 1998,... Read More