Victrex contributes integrated polymer solution to COMAC

The company’s additional services, beyond supplying high-performing Victrex Paek Polymers, included simulation analysis, tools for design optimisation and on-site processing support. As a result, greater design freedom, easier manufacturing and less weight compared to traditionally used aluminium led to the replacement of the metal.

COMAC's ARJ21, a type of turbofan jet, is a short- to medium-range regional jet. Within the ARJ21 aircraft, internal loads are supported by various systems including structural beams. Floor brackets are positioned on these beams to provide support within a gap between the loaded beams and the aircraft flooring above. Typically, these brackets would have been manufactured in aluminium; the new polymer solution promotes increased production efficiency via rapid injection moulding of the part and is contributing to higher efficiency of the regional jet through weight savings and design improvements that simplify the installation process.

“Today, weight reduction resulting in increased fuel efficiency, is absolutely essential and a critical success factor,” commented Dr. Bai Jie, brackets team leader at COMAC. “This is common knowledge within the aerospace industry, but the full potential and processing efficiency of high-performing polymers are not. As a consequence, we have received support from Victrex as the Peek experts with material and manufacturing knowledge. During the design process for example, their technical team delivered extensive and valuable support.”

Specifically Victrex provided, as part of its extended services, the simulation analysis, the tools for design optimisation, and on-site solutions whenever processing challenges arose. In engineering terms, each of the resulting brackets:

• has a loading capacity of up to 6,000N


• has a working temperature range of -55°C to 135°C


• meets the FAR 25.853 requirements for flame, smoke, and toxicity


• is lightweight (30% less compared to a corresponding aluminium bracket)


• is a viable replacement for the same part manufactured in metal