The aerospace plastics market is anticipated to surpass $75 million by 2025. This surge in demand is attributed to the fact that they offer several benefits to the manufacturing process while enhancing interiors overall. Check out five key benefits to ensure you’re in the know on plastics’ value.
How Aircraft Interior Plastics Help Manufacturers
1. Improved Versatility: Plastics can be used in a variety of aircraft interior applications, including seats, trims, in-flight entertainment systems, windows, overhead bins and more. With so much versatility, manufacturers don’t need to use multiple substrates across multiple applications in their production process.
2. Increased Design Opportunities: As a cost-effective, multifaceted option, plastics enable design innovation for aircraft interior components. Plastics can be easily molded to create parts that are not only ergonomic, but also aesthetically pleasing. In recent years, plastics have been put to the test to create aircraft with touchless bathrooms, extra storage capacity and removable tray tables.
Plastics also offer enhanced customization opportunities. Designers have more opportunities to explore color palettes, textures and patterns to create an attractive appearance without compromising functionality.
3. Enhanced Durability: Plastics are very durable. During use, plastics are resistant to scratches and nicks that result from foot traffic, prolonging the aircraft interior’s new appearance. Plastics can also withstand intense temperatures and resist harsh chemicals, making them an ideal material for aircraft that experience a wide range of conditions.
4. Heightened Fuel Efficiency: Plastics also increase fuel-efficiency in an aircraft. Some plastic components can be as much as ten times lighter than their metal counterparts. For each pound of reduced weight, as much as $1,000 in fuel costs can be saved over the life of an aircraft.
Even with lightweight properties, aircraft interior plastics do not compromise integrity. Even through heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning, plastics are long-lasting and perform well under heavy use.
5. Passenger comfort: Aircraft interior plastics also enable manufacturers to meet the demands of passengers. Reduced weight in the body of the aircraft allows more cargo capacity for passengers in overhead bins and other storage areas. Because of their pliable nature, plastics also allow for innovations in seating and space. Future plastic applications may include double-decker seating or partitions between seats for a more comfortable flying experience.
Aircraft interior plastics offer a multitude of benefits to manufacturers. Adding the right adhesive can help you incorporate more plastics into your production line so you can experience these added values for yourself. Contact a Bostik representative today to learn about our wide range of adhesives that can be used in plastic bonding.
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