The Art of Plastics Machining: The Important Role of Phenolics in the U.S. Navy

Jul 27, 2019 | Military, News, Phenolic Machining, Phenolics, Plastics Machining

For years, plastics machining has become a practically ubiquitous part of our lives – even if many people don’t realize it.

High grade phenolics are already used in just about every industry you can think of, from medical and healthcare to automotive, aerospace and beyond. But there’s one essential group of people who have come to rely on phenolics a great deal, all so that they can put themselves in a better position for US to rely on THEM.

We’re speaking, of course, about the United States Navy.

The Benefits of Phenolic Machining in the U.S. Navy

Ultimately, the applications of phenolics within the context of the Navy can be separated into two key categories: those relating to the mission-critical equipment that people carry, and those that have to do with aircraft and other assets.

On the subject of equipment, phenolics naturally offer a far lower weight than materials like metal – thus making them an instantly better choice for things like clothing, equipment and even protective gear. Consider for a moment that the type of equipment carried by those in the Navy can easily range from between 45 to 130 pounds. Phenolics can be applied in a way that offers just as much protection, but via a solution that doesn’t reduce mobility or impair decision-making due to excess weight in any way, shape or form.

A lot of people also don’t realize that military-grade plastics can be found not only on personal body armor, but on vehicle armor as well. This is because, in addition to the increased durability that phenolics bring with them, they also guarantee superior performance in extreme temperatures in a way that a material like metal cannot. At any given moment, the Navy has people stationed in some of the harshest environments on Earth – from sweltering deserts to cold tundras and absolutely everywhere in between. Only the right type of plastics can guarantee the same performance in every single one of those places.

All this, and plastics machining also brings with it an incredible freedom of both design and assembly. When you rely on innovation as much as the U.S. Navy does, any assembly constraint that you’re dealing with is more than just a “small problem.” Equipment that breaks down could potentially endanger people’s lives, or get in the way of the important work they’re doing on a daily basis.

Thanks to plastics machining, not only can Navy engineers push high concepts farther than ever, but multiple parts can also be condensed into a single, precisely crafted plastic part – thus creating fewer opportunities for failure, too.

Ultimately, these applications of plastics machining bring with them the most important benefits of all: more reliable products that are better equipped to support and empower the hardworking men and women of the Navy, all while increasing mobility and even reducing casualties at the exact same time.

If you’d like to find out  more information about the important role of phenolics in the U.S. Navy, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact JMJ Profile today.

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