Defence

On target, and on time.

Manufacturing for the Defense industry is an enormous responsibility that D&M takes very seriously, and is proud to support. As one of a select group of plastic injection molding companies who have been approved to manufacture parts for major defense contractors, D&M provides the quality and precision necessary to get the job done right, and done quickly.

D&M customers know there is no learning curve required. They count on us to provide the expertise and security the defense industry demands, with the speed and responsiveness they’ve come to expect from D&M.

– Pete Maggos, Sales & Marketing Leader

Types of Defense and Military Injection Molding Parts We Make

Military and defense applications require materials that are lightweight and formable to build precision parts—that’s where plastics like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) come into the equation.

At D&M Plastics, we use high-quality plastics and polymers in our injection molding processes so both manufacturing and daily operations go smoothly. We produce engine components and aircraft interior components that can withstand extreme conditions.

Engine Components

Our injection molding team uses PEEK to produce bushings, seals, thrust washers, and other precision plastic components for vehicle engines. PEEK is uniquely suited to these applications because of its impressive mechanical properties, resistance to heat damage, and resistance to pressure damage.

Aircraft Interiors

For aircraft interior products and assemblies, we use ULTEM®. This is a thermoplastic resin in the polyetherimide (PEI) group of resins. It’s an increasingly popular material in aircraft interiors because of its extreme degree of dimensional stability—there simply is no comparable material in terms of thermal resistance.

Plastic Materials Used for Custom Injection Molded Parts

D&M Plastics specializes in comprehensive injection molding services for the end-to-end manufacturing of specialty military and defense components. A key part of our process is determining the right material or materials for every job. We consider the design, budget, manufacturability standards, and end application.

Four of the most common materials we use for custom injection molding projects for military and defense clients are polycarbonates, polypropylene, PEEK, and ULTEM®. Learn more about each material’s strengths and applicability below.

Polycarbonate (PC)

PC polymers are thermoplastics that are very easy to work with in manufacturing. Finished polycarbonate products are transparent, stable at high temperatures, and resist heavy impact damage. These characteristics make PC polymer a popular choice for aerospace applications requiring custom plastic components.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a low-weight plastic. This material is also very durable and easy to use in manufacturing. Because of its versatility and low weight, aerospace injection molding manufacturers incorporate it into aircraft interior assemblies. Common polypropylene products include armrests in chairs, paneling seatbacks, tray tables, and other non-structural components.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

PEEK is very resistant to extreme temperatures, an important characteristic in aerospace manufacturing for the military and defense industry. This high-performing thermoplastic is both temperature-resistant and chemical-resistant. It also boasts excellent mechanical properties when used to produce custom plastic parts, including dimensional stability.

Polyetherimide (PEI)

ULTEM® is a low-weight polyetherimide alternative to heavier metals, promoting greater efficiency in aerospace and aeronautic vehicles. Manufacturers use ULTEM® to realize numerous high-performance characteristics, including:

  • High thermal resistance (withstanding high temperature extremes)
  • Low weight
  • Ability to evade radar detection systems

Each of these materials offers unique advantages. Our product engineering and development teams at D&M Plastics can help you choose the right material for your injection molding design.

Why D&M Plastics?

D&M Plastics is more than an injection molding manufacturer. We provide a valuable partnership to each of our clients, delivering hardworking products and aerospace components they can trust in zero-failure applications and missions.

D&M Plastics is committed to building quality services and support through the following:

  • Trusted Experience. Our doors have been open since 1972. We have decades of experience in injection molding and meeting the standards of military and defense projects.
  • Dedication to Quality. Our processes include in-depth quality management, testing, and inspection options to meet or exceed the needs of our clients. We became the first ISO-certified custom injection molder in the U.S. in 1993.
  • Commitment to Safety. Our organization uses rigorous safety protocols to protect our employees and maintain consistent uptime.
  • Financial Investment. We have access to capital that we continually invest in new injection molding technology, quality systems, and more.

Defense & Aerospace Plastic Injection Molding by D&M Plastics

Working with highly-engineered polymers, including 30% glass-filled materials designed for specific uses, our engineering and production teams bring the sophisticated knowledge and critical input to provide suggested solutions that improve production and performance.

Tight tolerances, shot sizes, heat and pressure requirements are all critical in producing quality characteristics and components. D&M experts are able to digest, assess and distill complex information to make the best manufacturing recommendations. D&M’s ISO certifications provide the assurances you need to know we’re industry leaders not only compliance and paperwork, but also in strength and security.

Choose injection molding services you can trust from D&M Plastics. Reach out today to learn more about our capabilities and processes, or request a quote to start your order.