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Transportation - Aerospace

Productive Plastics is a leading custom plastic thermoforming component supplier for the aerospace industry. The plastic thermoforming process (vacuum forming and pressure forming) is uniquely suited to the emerging needs of the aerospace and aircraft interiors/exteriors industry, offering extremely lightweight and durable materials that meet industry standards such as FST, FAR 25.853 (a), (i), (ii), & (d). Plastic thermoforming also enables a much higher design flexibility for interior components at a very attainable cost. Features such as undercuts, advanced tooling, and tooling imbedded surface finish options make benefits like complex geometric parts, closely mated component assemblies, surface texturing, and a wide variety of paint free pre-colored material options available to designers and engineers. Such benefits are not achievable or are cost prohibitive with many other manufacturing processes such as molded fiberglass (FRP) and metal.

Aerospace Interior Common Thermoforming Applications

Plastic thermoformed aircraft interior components are ideal for a wide variety of industry applications and Productive Plastics currently manufactures thermoplastic component parts for leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of aircraft interiors such as:
  • Seatbacks
  • Armrests
  • Footwell Trays
  • Wall and Ceiling Panels
  • Tray Table Components
  • Window Shrouds and Shades
  • Lighting Housing
  • Bulkhead Components
  • Display Enclosures
  • Luggage Racks
  • Partitions
  • Lavatory Components
  • Galley Paneling
Custom aircraft plastic thermoformed seating

Plastic Thermoforming Advantages for Aircraft Interiors and Aerospace Components

Plastic thermoforming provides a lightweight, rugged, and attractive solution for aircraft interior parts. Industry formulated thermoplastic materials can meet the most stringent global aviation flame, smoke, and toxicity safety standards such as FAR 25.853 (a), (i), (ii), & (d). Combine these features with the incredible design flexibility and cost effectiveness of thermoplastic and the list of advantages is numerous.
  • Lightweight Material
    Thermoplastic is up to 40% lighter than fiberglass, 6 times lighter than stainless steel, and 1/2 the weight of aluminum
  • Lower Operating Costs
    Lightweight material equates to higher fuel or battery efficiency and reduced maintenance costs
  • Industry Compliant Materials
    FAR 25.853 (a), (i), (ii), & (d) compliant thermoplastic material options available
  • Antimicrobial and Chemical Resistant
    Antimicrobial and chemical resistant inherent surface material options
  • Aesthetic Designs
    Modern and streamlined design capabilities and flexibility at lower cost
  • Variety of Surface Finishes
    Material and in mold options for integral color, textures, patterns, or branding
  • Strong and Impact Resistant
    Rugged thermoplastic material can withstand impacts and is less likely to dent, chip, or crack
  • UV and Graffitti Resistant
    Thermoplastic material options available with high UV and graffiti resistance
  • Large Parts at Low Cost
    Large part capable up to 96″ x 120″ with low upfront tooling investment
  • Moderate Volumes
    Ideal process and competitive cost for EAU of 250-3000 parts

Aircraft Interiors Manufacturing with Productive Plastics

Productive Plastics has been manufacturing custom thermoformed components and project solutions since 1955. Over 65 years of expertise in pressure and vacuum forming, thermoforming design, tooling engineering, and surface finishing. Our team is constantly evolving and streamlining our processes and manufacturing systems to maximize the advantages of plastic thermoforming and minimize the cost and production time for your application.
Aircraft interior window

Looking for more technical information?

Download the Thermoforming Design Guide, Process Comparisons, Conversion Guides, and other useful thermoforming information from our technical resource library.

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