Plastic Films for the Transportation Industry

Plastic films can be used in many applications across the transportation industry. These materials are commonly found in mass transit vehicles like busses and trains, aerospace applications, and even RVs.

Plastics used in this industry must display a number of high-performance qualities in order to suit the unique needs of mass transit systems and other vehicles. Of course, the exact plastics used vary based on the specific type of vehicle and the needs of transportation providers. But there are a few common types that companies that produce and maintain transit vehicles should familiarize themselves with. 

If you’re looking for quality materials for various transit applications, from RVs to aircraft components, read on for a guide to plastic films for the transportation industry. 

Transit Vehicles, RV, Trains, Mass Transportation Plastic Films 

In the mass transit industry, plastic films are used in a huge array of applications. They can serve as protective covers and aesthetic coatings over components in transit vehicles, busses, trains, and even RVs. For example, clear plastic films may be used for operator protection or section dividers. Soft plastics can provide a durable, lightweight material for certain seating applications. And more sturdy materials may make up hard interior components. Here are some specific materials that may be of value. 

Acrylic film is known for being crystal clear and impact resistant. It can be used in a huge array of applications across the transportation industry since it adds a protective covering over any area where clear visibility is still needed. For example, mass transit vehicles may use it for operator protection areas. 

Engineering films encompass all plastics that have high-performance mechanical and thermal properties. They’re often used in place of more traditional engineering materials like wood or metal since they’re lightweight, strong, and easy to customize for various applications. When it comes to plastic films for the transportation industry, engineering films are popular in small volume applications like coatings for RV components and even RV appliances. 

Polypropylene is another thermoplastic film that offers value in several applications within the transportation industry. It is especially common in use over signage and displays. Its main benefits are that it is incredibly cost-effective and easy to recycle.

HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a type of polyethylene plastic. Some forms are linear and stiff. However, there are specific brands like Tyvek® from DuPont that have different properties altogether. This product is basically HDPE plastic film spun into a synthetic paper or fabric material. It is available both as a hard and soft structure. And it offers high-performance moisture resistance, flexibility, and the ability to be printed. This makes it ideal for soft applications like seating. It is also lightweight enough to promote fuel efficiency in vehicles and even aerodynamics in aerospace applications.

These are just a few examples of the many types of plastic films that can add value to applications within the transportation industry. A few others include PBT, LDPE, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers, and PVC. 

Plastic Films for Bulkheads, Panels, Section Dividers 

Plastic films for the aerospace industry need to meet rigorous industry guidelines for flame and heat resistance, along with low toxicity and weight to promote aerodynamics. There are a number of plastic films that are commonly used in various aerospace interior applications. Specifically, these materials are often used as protective coverings over bulkheads, panels, and section dividers. Here are some of the specific plastics used in these components. 

ABS, which stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is popular in transportation applications that need thick, sturdy, and impact-resistant materials. It is generally opaque and easy to fabricate using thermoforming and similar techniques. This makes it ideal for aerospace interior components that need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear, like bulkhead storage. 

Nylon is a clear plastic that has high-performance properties, including a high melting point that makes it ideal for aerospace applications. It also offers resistance to scratches and punctures and can even serve as an oxygen barrier. When it comes to plastic films for the aerospace and transportation industry, it’s often used for sterile packaging on commercial aircraft and can even provide some thermal resistance in interior components. 

PBT, also known as Polybutylene Terephthalate, is another plastic polymer that provides the heat and chemical resistance needed in many aerospace interior components. It can be molded to specific shapes and even provides enough dimensional stability to insulate components for printed electronics and interior components in the aerospace and transportation industries. 

Again, there are many different types of plastic films that can be utilized in interior aircraft components like bulkheads, panels, and section dividers, along with other high performance aerospace applications. Generally, you want to look for films that are durable, heat resistant, and those with low toxicity. 

If you’re in the market for plastic films for the transportation industry, contact PolymerFilms today. Our expert team serves clients throughout a wide array of industries, including mass transit providers and even aerospace companies. We have an extensive inventory of plastic films with various high performance properties to suit nearly every need. We also employ a knowledgeable team that is always happy to provide guidance and expertise tailored to your industry. And the in-house conversion equipment at our five conveniently located distribution centers allows us to customize film products and ship them to clients quickly. Visit our website to request a free consultation and see what type of difference the right supplier can make when purchasing plastic films for the transportation industry. 

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