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This issue includes the annual Membership Directory of the International Association of Plastics Distribution. Membership categories includes distributors, processors, manufacturers/suppliers, resin manufacturers/distributors, manufacturers’ representatives and associated products and services. Company listings include contact information for headquarters and branch locations as well as the key personnel. For easy access, check out IAPD's online searchable membership directory.
The traditional functions of the distributor have stood the test of time because the distributor could provide them more effectively to the channel than either the producers of products or the consumers of products. Here is a closer look at the distributor’s role.
The Sales and Marketing Optimization (SMO) research consortium’s mission was to develop and codify best practices in sales and marketing for distributors and test these practices to determine shareholder value. The research was conducted based on a five-step methodology to identify if companies were in the common, good or best practice ranking. Find out research insights.
Today’s reinforced thermoplastic composites are showing up in more demanding light-weight design aerospace applications thanks to significant advances in innovative technologies and matrix materials. For example, the new Gulfstream G650 business jet, with its first-of-kind welded thermoplastic composite rudder and elevator tail section, made a successful maiden flight in late 2009. The composite rudder and the elevator were designed and developed to take advantage of a new induction welding method that joins the components into an inseparable unit, which eliminates both cost and weight associated with drilling and riveting or bonding. The high-performance composite parts are based on a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) matrix and developed in the form of prepregs. Read the full article.
Machinable engineering plastics have been used in aerospace applications for over 40 years. Materials such as nylon 6/6 and acetal have routinely been used as wear surfaces, rub strips, brackets, grommets, and fasteners in areas where environmental and performance issues meet the capability of the polymer. Some of these applications have been injection molded, while many are machined from stock shapes. Read the full article.
Especially for the design of aircraft interiors, choosing materials for thermoformed components at the start of a project is the best way to maximize design opportunities. This allows you to design within the parameters of your materials instead of having to revise your design to meet restrictions at a later date. Compliance to federal aviation requirements and aircraft manufacturer regulations related to fire retardancy, flammability, smoke density and toxicity are the number one driver in material selection. Read the full article.
Polymers play a vital role in many aerospace applications where engineers require lightweight materials that offer processing flexibility, reduce manufacturing costs, and provide durability in harsh environments. The industry’s trend toward higher temperatures and higher loads in mechanical systems requires high performance polymers that can meet the demand for weight reduction, increased efficiency, noise reduction, miniaturization and functional integration — all at a reduced cost. Read the full article.
The Airbus A319 was the first commercial aircraft to dare to have a non-metallic leading edge on its wings — it used a PPS/ woven carbon fiber composite. However, since its first flight, the advancement in the use of thermoplastics within the airframe, engine and auxiliary systems of commercial aircraft, in Europe and the United States, has been slow, but steady. Why? Read the full article.
The secret for distributors to penetrate the lucrative aircraft interiors market is to arm yourself with more than aircraft-rated sheet products. Simply complying with aircraft fire ratings and toxicity standards is a given; without allowable products you’re not even in the game. To win big you must also motivate aircraft interior specifiers by maximizing aesthetic and functional attributes. You must also partner with suppliers who will help you close sales and, above all, remain faithful to you as a distribution partner. Read the full article.
The aerospace market offers unique opportunity to IAPD distributor companies. This issue highlights IAPD distributors who carry plastic materials essential to the design and functionality of aerospace systems. Read the special section.
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Thermoplastic composites for aerospace
Machinable engineering plastics offer unique solutions for aerospace
Maximizing design opportunities within aircraft interiors
PEEK system solutions for lightweight aerospace components and assemblies
Advancement of thermoplastics in commercial aerospace
Want to sell premium sheet to aircraft interior specifiers at high profit?