polycarbonate/acrylic interior panel instead of cardboard or aluminum

[k9medic]

I was talking with a local shop about making some replacement interior panels for me. I asked if he was planning on using aluminum and he said he prefers to use poly or acrylic sheets that are covered in a thin closed cell foam and then wrapped with leather.

Has anybody ever heard of this process? My A&P/IA said no issues with the materials, but it just struck me as odd.

 

[Bell206]

Has anybody ever heard of this process? My A&P/IA said no issues with the materials, but it just struck me as odd.

Most of the industry went to Kydex or similar products vs metal/fiberboard years ago. Look in any commercial ops whether fixed or rotor wing and you'll probably find a kydex product somewhere installed. About time it moves more in Part 91.

 

[k9medic]

I'm familiar with using kydex. Just thought covering acrylic was different. I guess plastic is plastic.

 

[murphey]

Kydex characteristics

• Flexural modulus is 2,758 MPa (400,000 psi)
• Parts formed from sheet will be rigid and will see moderate deformation when loaded. This is of particular importance in deep formed parts with thin wall sections.
• Relatively hard thermoplastic, with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale. This hardness, combined with a grained surface, increases its abrasion resistance.
• Low flammability, UL 94 classification V-0

 

[Stewartb]

My last Cub had Kydex for the interior. No upholstery. Next time you're on a commercial airliner look at the side panels and seat backs. Kydex. Easy to form with a little heat. There's a great thread on Supercub.org with great info from a good friend, who's first encounter with Kydex was in my airplane.

 

[Bell206]

Just thought covering acrylic was different.

FYI: Kydex is actually an acrylic... acrylic PVC if I recall.

 

[NordicDave]

What about burn cert for Kydex? How is that handled?

Thanks, I appreciate this discussion.

 

[Dan Thomas]

I'm familiar with using kydex. Just thought covering acrylic was different. I guess plastic is plastic.

Nope. Some plastics give off toxic smoke. Polycarbonate is a bad one.

A good essay here: https://www.avweb.com/features_old/interiors-legalities-and-part-91-aircraft/

 

[Bell206]

What about burn cert for Kydex? How is that handled?

Kydex comes with burn certificate if you ask for it.

 

[Ravioli]

Kydex comes with burn certificate if you ask for it.

Ask for it, or pay for it?

 

[Bell206]

Ask for it, or pay for it?

I've never paid for one. But I've only bought aviation grade Kydex. They used to have the Part 25 specs online for those who do not need an actual certificate.