Plastics cover a broad field of organic synthetic resin and may be divided into two main classifications – aerospace thermoplastics and aerospace thermosetting plastics. Both of these types are used extensively in California and the surrounding areas, where large amounts of Aerospace Plastic Sheet parts are produced. Thermoplastics may be softened by heat and can be dissolved in various organic solvents.
[lsup_random_image]Aerospace ThermoplasticsThermoplastics may be softened by heat and can be dissolved in various organic solvents. Two kinds of transparent thermoplastic materials are commonly employed in windows, canopies, etc. These are known as acrylic plastics and polycarbonate (Makrolon) plastic sheets.Aerospace thermoformingMany types of plastic sheet material can be heated, which enables the material to get soft and pliable when they are heated to their forming temperatures and can be formed to almost any shape. When they cool, they retain the shape to which they were formed. One of the highest concentrations of plastic sheet forming companies is California and the surrounding areas.Forming methodsSimple Curve Forming. Heat the plastic material to the recommended temperature, remove it from the heat source, and carefully drape it over the prepared form. Carefully press the hot plastic to the form and either hold or clamp the sheet in place until it cools. This process may take from ten minutes to one-half hour. Do not force-cool it.Compound-Curve FormingThis type of forming is normally used for such parts as canopies or complex wingtip light covers, and it requires a great deal of specialized equipment. There are four commonly used methods, each having its advantages and disadvantages.
Stretch forming. Preheated acrylic sheets are stretched mechanically over the form in much the same way as is done with the simple curved piece. Special care must be taken to preserve uniform thickness of the material, since some parts will have to stretch more than others.Aerospace Plastic Vacuum Forming Without FormsAerospace Vacuum Forming With A Female Form. If the shape needed is other than that which would be formed by surface tension, a female mold, or form must be used. It is placed below the plastic sheet and the vacuum pump is connected. When air from the form is evacuated, the outside air pressure will force the hot performance plastic sheet into the mold and fill it.
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