How Can Composite Materials Help the Aerospace Maintenance Repair Overhaul Sector Save Money?

The rapid adoption of composites in the aerospace industry have helped the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector save time and money on repairs. Equipment composed of carbon fiber and epoxy has several benefits to MRO, most notably in lowering costs.

Carbon fiber in particular is projected to reach $6.36 billion in value by 2025, at a growth rate of 10.9 percent. And the aerospace and defense sector are driving that market, thanks to the clear benefits of composites. They’ve gone from secondary materials to making up 50 percent or more of some aircraft. One benefit to the aerospace industry is the lightweight nature of composites, but they are also proving helpful for the bottom line.

Composites are durable, strong and have flexible applications

Carbon fiber and epoxy, with the help of structural adhesives in place of welding or bolt fastening, can be used in everything from engines to plane bodies. Composites also offer excellent strength and resistance to temperature and vibration. This means planes will be on the ground less, requiring fewer repairs and saving time and money on MRO. 

Repairs can be made on site

Composite materials typically require less equipment to repair than other materials like aluminum. This means it’s easier to repair the equipment at the gate, rather than tying up air time in route to maintenance locations. Corrosion resistance is yet another important factor in the operation and longevity of composite aerospace parts.

Prepregs, or reinforcements pre-impregnated with thermoplastic or thermoset resin, are also beneficial for aerospace MRO. The thermoset prepregs are made by saturating a fiber reinforcement with liquid resin. Epoxy resin-based carbon fiber prepregs cure quickly, helping save repair time. In addition to being suitable for quick repairs without the need to disassemble aircraft, they have a high strength-to-weight ratio and better resistance to heat, corrosion and moisture than alternatives. That translates to equipment that lasts longer and requires fewer repairs and overhauls. 

Composites One is the leading supplier of composite material to the aerospace industry in North America

Composites One is the leading distributor of composites throughout North America. We supply the aerospace industry with composite materials like carbon fiber, epoxy, adhesives and prepregs to help the MRO sector save time and money. To learn more about the composite materials we distribute, contact Composites One today.