Thermoplastic Extrusion for the Aerospace Sector
FST compliance, lightweighting and ESD protection for cabins and avionics.
The Role of Thermoforming in the New Era of Aviation
At CANDEA Plastics we develop high-performance extruded materials for the aerospace supply chain, where safety, weight reduction and certification are non-negotiable.
From commercial aviation to emerging Drone and eVTOL (Urban Air Mobility) sectors, the industry demands reducing the "fly-to-buy" ratio and optimizing costs without sacrificing safety. Our polymers enable production of cabin components, ducts and fairings that meet the strictest flammability and mechanical resistance requirements.
- Weight Reduction (Lightweighting): Efficient replacement of heavy metals and thermosets, critical for fuel efficiency and flight range.
- Cost Efficiency: Ideal for mid-volume series and cabin retrofits, with significantly lower tooling investment than injection molding.
- Functional Design: Ability to integrate complex geometries, aeronautical textures and functional properties in a single part.
Technical Challenges: Materials for Altitude and Safety
FST Compliance (Fire, Smoke & Toxicity)
The greatest challenge in cabin interiors is passive safety. Materials must resist ignition and, in case of fire, not generate dense smoke or toxic gases that incapacitate passengers.
- Our Solution: Technical polymers specifically formulated to comply with regulations such as FAR 25.853 (USA) and CS-25 (EASA), with halogen-free flame retardant additives (as required).
- Benefit: Certifiable safety. Materials ready to pass vertical/horizontal burn tests and smoke density tests, facilitating final part certification.
Optimized Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio
Every gram saved reduces carbon footprint and operating costs. Parts must withstand constant vibrations and dynamic loads without adding unnecessary structural weight, maintaining structural integrity throughout the component's service life.
- Our Solution: Fine-gauge sheet extrusion with high toughness and modified engineering polymers to maximize specific stiffness.
- Benefit: Secondary structural components (such as overhead bins or side panels) that are extremely lightweight but resistant to fatigue and impact during service.
ESD Protection for Critical Avionics
Modern cockpits ("Glass Cockpit") and drone control systems are full of sensitive sensors. Static accumulation from air friction or passenger movement is a real risk that can damage critical electronic components.
- Our Solution: Permanent conductive and dissipative static materials with controlled surface resistance in the range of 10⁵ to 10⁹ Ω/sq that protect electronics without interfering with communication signals.
- Benefit: Reliable protection for navigation system housings, instrumentation and PCB handling trays in maintenance (MRO).
Technical Material Catalog for Aeronautics
We develop formulations that balance cabin aesthetics with technical regulations.
| Material Family | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| FST-Ready Polymers | FAR 25.853 compliance, low smoke and toxicity emissions. | Wall panels, seat backs, overhead bins. |
| Conductive ABS/PC ESD | High impact resistance + antistatic protection. | Avionics housings, screen bezels, sensor mounts. |
| High-Heat Polymers | Dimensional stability under sudden temperature changes. | Air conditioning ducts (ECS), components near engines. |
| Chemical-Resistant Materials | Resistance to hydraulic fluids (Skydrol) and aggressive cleaning. | Service trays, galley components and lavatories. |
| Aeronautical Finishes | Matte micro-grain textures, Kydex-look, corporate colors. | Decorative moldings, class dividers, VIP interiors. |
CANDEA Materials for this sector
HIPS Anti-Scratch CA-327
CA-327
Material técnico multilaminar de origen estireno-olefínico desarrollado para conseguir una superficie de tacto blanco a una o dos caras, destinado a proteger piezas delicadas susceptibles de ser dañadas.
View all materialsPS-PE COEX ESD CA-226
CA-226
Mezcla de poliestireno y polietileno con protección ESD conductiva. Una solución económica que combina buen equilibrio mecánico con disipación electrostática fiable, diseñada para packaging electrónico de alto volumen y manipulación automatizada de componentes pudiéndose suministrar en cualquier color.
View all materialsApplications Across the Aerospace Value Chain
From in-line protection to final parts in the end product.
Cabin Interior (Pax Experience)
Aesthetic and safe solutions for the passenger environment. Materials that resist intensive use, constant cleaning and maintain a "like new" appearance for years, meeting the highest safety and durability standards.
- Side panels and ceilings (Sidewalls & Ceilings).
- Seat components and meal trays (Tray tables).
- Ventilation ducts and hidden air systems.
Avionics and Electronic Systems
Electromagnetic and static protection for the aircraft's "brain". Materials that guarantee the integrity of critical navigation, communication and flight control systems, essential for operational safety.
- Housings for electronic modules and LRUs (Line Replaceable Units).
- Cable and sensor protectors.
- ESD transport trays for assembly and MRO.
Drones, eVTOL and UAVs
Materials for the new generation of urban air mobility, where weight is the critical factor for battery duration. Ultralight solutions that maintain structural resistance and fire protection.
- Ultralight aerodynamic fairings and canopies.
- Landing skids and rotor mounts.
- Lightweight and fire-resistant battery housings.
Why choose CANDEA Plastics in Aeronautics?
Beyond plastic extrusion, we are your partner in innovation and material development.
Total Quality and Traceability: Exhaustive control of batches and raw materials to facilitate quality audits and supplier standard compliance.
Custom Formulation (Custom Compounds): Ability to adjust color and texture (Color & Texture Matching) to exactly match airline corporate identity or OEM standard.
Prototyping Agility: Fast supply of smaller quantities for design phases, prototype certification and First Article Inspection (FAI).
Ready to take your project to the next level?
Contact our experts to meet your technical and regulatory requirements.