SPACE
SPECIALIZING IN PRODUCING HIGH-GRADE MACHINED PLASTIC & COMPOSITE COMPONENTS FOR THE SPACE INDUSTRY.
The Gund Company provides a diverse selection of plastics, composites, and thermosetting materials designed per our customers’ specifications to meet the rigorous performance demands of space plastic machining. Our products are crafted to the highest quality standards, ensuring their dependability and effectiveness.
WHY REPLACE METALS WITH PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES IN SPACE?
The usage of plastics within the design and construction has helped to streamline operations and ensure applications. High-grade aviation machined plastic & composite has numerous advantages when compared to metals including:
- Lightweight & Durable – High strength-to-weight ratio makes it a great replacement for interior components
- Cost Effective – Not only is plastic less expensive, but this light material results in fuel savings
- Impact, Corrosion, & Chemical Resistant – Meaning a longer lasting part when compared to metal counterparts
- High Thermal & Mechanical Capabilities – Can withstand temperature swings
- Ease of assembly – Offers more flexibility in design of components
- Materials adheres FAA’s strict flame, smoke & toxicity
- Offers electrical insulation properties not provided by aluminum or other metals
COMMON MATERIALS USED IN THE SPACE INDUSTRY
SPACE APPLICATIONS
Ground Communications
Our pultrusion capabilities allow us to make pultruded components in any shape or size. Our materials support multipath propagation at even the highest frequencies.
Benefits:
- Materials for Ka band and greater frequencies
- Custom shapes to fit any antenna design.
- High and low volume production
Satellites
Some space applications require materials with unique properties. Our application experts can help you find the right materials with even the most obscure requirements.
Capabilities:
- Prototyping capabilities
- Application engineering resources are available
- Materials are designed per our customers’ specifications for high temperatures, cryogenic, high pressure and much more for all phases of space flight
Launch Vehicles
The Gund Company manufactures key components for launch vehicles used to transport spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Capabilities:
- Wide selection of low outgassing materials ranging from laminates, thermoplastics, and films.
- Tight tolerance machining capabilities.
- Experts available to help find a solution for your applications.
OTHER SPACE APPLICATIONS:
- Solar Panel Frames
- Solar Panel Backsheets
- High Temperature / Cryogenic Insulation
- Antenna Power Supplies
- EMI Shielding
- Dielectric Covers
With decades of experience, our application engineers are able to assist our customers with engineering projects and new product development per our customers’ specifications. Depending on our space application, our customers can count on The Gund Company as a trusted engineering and manufacturing resource.
Our newest material has been created per our customers’ specifications for the 5G, SATCOM and telecommunication industries. ProDome™ is designed to maximize the performance of antennas and other RF components.
APPLICATIONS:
- Radomes
- Sensor Covers
- Dielectric Covers
- Antenna Masts
Our composite configurations are more robust than many injection-molded components. In addition to that, we also offer a variety of grades to meet the needs of your application. Our standard grades come in sheets and molded forms. Click here to learn more about ProDome.
PolyPro FR® by The Gund Company is a UL-Listed flame-retardant polypropylene extruded for use in many power applications within the aerospace, defense, and SATCOM industries. With performance in mind, PolyPro FR® is a solution to overcome the obstacles related to SWaP-C reduction.
APPLICATIONS:
- Power Supplies
- Inverters / Converters
- PDU / UPS
- Batteries / Chargers
Manufactured in the United States, PolyPro FR® features exceptional dielectric strength, high chemical and moisture resistance, and an elevated temperature rating. These properties make it an ideal material in virtually any power insulation environment.
PolyPro FR® is manufactured and converted in multiple methods to meet the unique requirements of our customers. If you have an application that requires electrical or thermal insulation, click here to learn more about PolyPro FR® today!
