An Insight into Materials Used for Making Custom Textures Creation for Thermoplastic Sheets

Introduction

Thermoplastic sheets are widely used in various industries because of their diverse properties and adaptability. The main trick lies in the formation process; thermoplastics can be easily molded into various custom textures or surfaces based on their design. But before we divulge deep into the technology behind how custom textures are created via thermoplastics, we need to understand the basics of thermoplastic.

Thermoforming of Plastics

Thermoplastics are created via a method known as thermoforming. As the presence of ‘thermo’ in the word indicates heat, it means plastic sheets are molded into thermoplastics using heat as the main process. Different variants can be produced using different methods of heat generation methods, but the general concept is always the same. A flat sheet of material, in this case, plastic, is passed through a specific forming method to produce thermoplastic sheets. Different methods of forming used are:

Ø  Pressure Forming: The main way of applying force is by using pressure equipment on the plastic sheets. This is especially beneficial for creating fine details and designs that are otherwise difficult via other methods.

Ø  Vacuum Forming: It is the easiest and the most preferred method for creating thermoforming plastic. Generally used to create bigger molds with fewer details, vacuum forming uses pressure suction method to create shapes and details. Because the vacuum is not usually controlled, it cannot be used to create finer details

Creation of Custom Textures

Coming back to our topic in hand, custom textures are extremely fine details on plastic sheet surfaces that are used for insulation or padding purposes in buildings and furniture. Manufacturers that deal with custom sheets use their own specialized methods and tweaks to make it, but most of it is done by pressure forming methods. This is because very fine detailing can be obtained via this method, and it is applicable on a wide range of thermoforming plastic materials such as:

Ø  Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene: It is one of the most commonly used materials for creation of thermoplastics. It is very workable and can be used to create a variety of designs. Different strength grades are also available such as different strength variants, temperature resistance, etc.

Ø  Flame Retardant Plastic: Its main characteristic is flame resistance that drastically reduces the risk of material catching and propagating fire in case of fire hazards. These are primarily used as aircraft interior materials, building materials and insulating purposes. Aircraft and cleanroom variants use specialized flame-retardant versions that emit very low smoke for enhanced protection.

Ø  High Impact Polystyrene: As the name suggests, it is highly formable and costs less that most other thermoforming materials. The main applications are in making glossy surface finishes and for opaque objects such as containers and shelves.

Ø  High Density Polyethylene: This is extremely tough and durable, and used for making rigid forms such as plastic bins, containers, trays, dividers for rooms and many more. They are non-reusable after being formed, so cannot be re-melted and formed into some other product.

5 Important Properties to Look for in a Material When Choosing Aircraft Interior Components

The interior of an aircraft should not only be safe and secure from high pressure outside the cabin mid-flight but also need to be comfortable for passengers and cabin crew. Hence, it requires a good mix of safety features and good aesthetics in order to qualify a material to be used as aircraft interior components. Many aircraft interior component manufacturing firms conform to strict aviation standards that are set by the Federal Aviation Administration and regulations set by the aircraft manufacturers.

There are some important properties that are desired from aircraft interior materials, only then which they are deemed to be air-worthy. Even the slightest of the problem can balloon into a major disaster in case of aircraft, hence they need to be impeccable. Here are 5 important properties desirable in aircraft interior materials:

1. Sound Proof

Aircraft engines create massive noise, which can be heard even miles away; imagine what it might do to passengers inside the aircraft, who are in close proximity to the jet engines. Hence, one of the first requirements for an aircraft interior material is that it must be soundproof. Many thermoforming plastics are used for this as they can reduce noise greatly without compromising on other essential areas.

2. Fire Resistant

The second most important factor to take into consideration is fire resistance. Every single material used inside an aircraft needs to be as fire-proof as possible to reduce the chances of catching or spreading any unwanted fires, and these include blankets, seats, seat covers, insulation covers, and interior detailing of the aircraft. FAA has regulated strict standards for fire-proofing, and manufacturers have to adhere to those rules.

3. Static Resistant

Static electricity can accumulate over long flights, both inside and outside the aircraft. While taking care of static electricity on the aircraft exterior is the job of the aircraft manufacturer, suppliers should make sure the interior components are also as static resistant as possible. If not, accumulated static charges can play havoc with communication instruments and can also cause sparks during refueling.

4. Heat/Cold Insulator

The exterior of an aircraft mid-flight can get very hot or very cold depending on the time of the day and weather conditions. Hence, interior components must be good insulators of heat, blocking exterior temperatures from getting inside the aircraft and causing discomfort to passengers. Aircraft manufacturers use many techniques to improve insulation independent of the materials used for interior, but suppliers also have to make sure their products follow insulation standards strictly.

5. Low Maintenance

Most aircraft spend more time in the air than on the ground. Hence, the materials are subjected to a lot of use over the service period. The components and materials need to be durable enough so that they don’t wear out easily and last long, possibly for years. They also need to be very easy to clean, for there isn’t enough time to wash away tough stains and accumulated dirt during hectic airline schedules. In short, they must be of low maintenance and should not cost airlines a lot of money to clean or replace.