Current applications

Current applications of thermoplastics are:
  • Gulfstream G450, G550 and G650 rudders with press-formed ribs and thermofolded trailing edges
  • 55 metres of resistance welded wing fixed leading edge on the A380 (glass/PPS material), 10 metres on the A340-500/600 wing fixed leading edge
  • Co-consolidated access panels on the A340-500/600 wing fixed leading edge (material carbon/PPS)
  • Gulfstream G450, G550 and G650 thermoplastic floor panels, including primary structure pressure bulkhead panels (carbon/PEI material)
  • Induction welded Gulfstream G650 rudder and elevators (JEC 2010 Innovation Award winner, carbon/PPS material)
  • co-consolidated ice protection shields A400M (glass/PPS material)

Welded A380 wing fixed leading edge (J-nose)
Welded A380 wing fixed leading
edge (J-nose)


Co-consolidated access panel, A340-500/600
Co-consolidated access panel, A340-500/600

J-nose on A380 wing (photo courtesy Airbus)
J-nose on A380 wing (photo courtesy Airbus)

 

Gulfstream G550 and G650 pressure floor

Gulfstream G550 and G650 pressure floor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gulfstream G650 tail with thermoplastic rudder and elevators

Gulfstream G650 tail with thermoplastic rudder and elevators

Welded Gulfstream G650 rudder

Welded Gulfstream G650 rudder