Improved composites are increasingly replacing metal parts in the aerospace industry. Using one-shot injection moulding, an EU-funded project is developing a forward pressure bulkhead demonstrator that will be 10 % more lightweight than its aluminium counterparts.
Traditional forward pressure bulkheads are comprised of a number of different parts that are being assembled to make a complete structure. One-shot injection moulding of an integrally stiffened preform leads to reducing manufacturing costs. With this in mind, scientists initiated the EU-funded project PUMA (Puma).
Further details: Advanced lightweight bulkhead