Market Dynamics
Introduction
High-performance thermoplastic seals are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including temperature variations, pressure differentials, and exposure to aviation fluids. High-performance thermoplastic seals are typically made from advanced materials known for their durability, chemical resistance, and ability to maintain elasticity over a wide temperature range.
Weight is a critical factor in aircraft design, high-performance thermoplastic seals, being lightweight contribute to overall weight reduction, enhancing fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance. These high-performing seals are used in turbine shafts, air inlet vanes, internal and auxiliary gearboxes, accessory drive shafts, etc.
Market Drivers
The market for high-performance thermoplastic seals is heavily reliant on the aerospace industry's organic growth. So, in times of booming growth, crisis, or recovery, a similar impact has been seen in the aircraft high-performance thermoplastic seals market. Aircraft high-performance thermoplastic seals market is driven by increasing aircraft deliveries, growing fleet size, advent of new efficient variants of existing aircraft, increasing global military expenditure, and continuous increase in the demand for lightweight and durable seals at both OE and aftermarket levels.
Boeing and Airbus will reach their peak production rates by the end of the decade. An average of 2,000-2,500 commercial aircraft are to be delivered each year. Airbus forecasts a demand for 32,630 single-aisle and 8,220 wide-body aircraft over the next 20 years. Major players have a high focus on the aerospace industry, especially engine and airframe applications. They are strengthening their product portfolios to address the unmet needs of the market.
Recent Product Developments
- Major players like Meggitt PLC are offering polymer-based flexible and lightweight seals for aircraft to achieve weight reduction.
- Greene Tweed’s Technaloc bonded seal provides high durability and saleability over the lifetime of an aircraft.
- Freudenberg introduced the Omegat OMS-CS cap seal, which can provide low friction for reciprocating application of seals.
- Trelleborg developed the Turcon VL seal for hydraulic aircraft systems, which can bear high pressures of up to 5,000 psi.
Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions
- In 2023, Trelleborg acquired 4M Company Inc., the acquisition will allow Trelleborg to increase its capacity to produce elastomers, used in various aerospace seals. The acquired facility manufactures molded parts, O-rings, gaskets, and window seals for OEMs, primarily for the aerospace industry.
- In 2021, Parker Hannifin Corporation acquired Meggitt Plc., a British international company specializing in components for the aerospace, defense, and energy markets.
Segments Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Dominant and Fastest-Growing Segments
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Aircraft-Type Analysis
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Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, Helicopters, Military Aircraft, and General Aviation
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Commercial aircraft is anticipated to remain the biggest demand generator for high-performance thermoplastic seals in the years to come.
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Application-Type Analysis
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Nacelles & Engines; Interiors; Landing Gear, Wheels and Brakes; Flight Control Actuation and Hydraulics; and Others
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Flight control actuation and hydraulics dominated the market in 2022.
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Product-Type Analysis
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Lip Seals, Energized Seals, and Others
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Energized seals dominated the market in 2022 and are also expected to be the fastest-growing segment during 2023-2028.
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Motion-Type Analysis
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Static Seals, Linear Seals, and Rotary Seals
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Linear seals led the market for aircraft high-performance thermoplastic seals.
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Material-Type Analysis
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PTFE and PAEK Family
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PTFE seals dominated the market in 2022, with continuous and increasing penetration over other material types.
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End-User-Type Analysis
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OE and Aftermarket
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OE held the major share of the market in 2022.
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Regional Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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Asia-Pacific is likely to grow at the fastest rate, with China and India being the growth engines of the market.
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By Aircraft Type
“Commercial aircraft is anticipated to remain the biggest demand generator for high-performance thermoplastic seals in the years to come”.
The market is segmented into commercial aircraft, regional aircraft, helicopters, military aircraft, and general aviation. Commercial aircraft is expected to be the dominant as well as the fastest-growing segment of the market. The B737 Max, A320neo family, B787, and A350XWB are the major contributors to the demand for high-performance thermoplastic seals. The COMAC C919 is likely to add some growth to the market. COMAC has a huge plan to raise the production rates of C919.
By Application Type
“Flight control actuation and hydraulics dominated the market during the forecast period”.
The market is segmented into nacelles & engines; interiors; landing gear, wheels, and brakes; flight control actuation and hydraulics; and others. Flight control actuation and hydraulics are expected to remain the dominant as well as the fastest-growing application category for high-performance thermoplastic seals during the forecast period. A large number of applications, such as spoilers, rudders, ailerons, door actuators, and linear utility actuators, rely on high-performance thermoplastic seals.
By Product Type
“Energized seals dominated the market in 2022 and are also expected to be the fastest-growing segment during 2023-2028”.
The market is segmented into lip seals, energized seals, and others. Energized seals are expected to remain the dominant as well as the fastest-growing product in the market during the forecast period.
The use of energized seals results in decreased downtime and improved productivity. Key applications of energized seals include APUs, brakes, fuel controls, pumps, valves, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, oxygen systems, landing gears, etc. Energized seals offer higher sealing ability, durability, and improved aerodynamic performance, leading to their higher demand in the market.
By Material Type
“PTFE is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing material in the market during the forecast period”
The market is segmented into PTFE and PAEK Family. PTFE is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing material in the market during the forecast period. PTFE is compatible with various mating materials commonly found in aerospace applications, including metals and other polymers. Trelleborg is the pioneer in PTFE seals and provides a large variety of aircraft PTFE seals.
By End-User Type
“OE is expected to be the dominant segment of the aircraft high-performance thermoplastic seals market”.
The market is segmented into OE and aftermarket. OE is expected to be the dominant segment of the aircraft high-performance thermoplastic seals market. The growth of high-performance thermoplastic seals in the OE segment is driven by a combination of industry trends, technological advancements, regulatory considerations, and the increasing demand for efficient and reliable aircraft. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, the demand for advanced sealing solutions is expected to persist.
Regional Analysis
“Asia-Pacific is likely to grow at the fastest rate, with China and India being the growth engines of the market”.
In terms of regions, Asia-Pacific is likely to witness the highest growth by 2028, owing to an increasing defense budget, the launch of COMAC C919, the opening of assembly plants by Boeing and Airbus for their key programs, and a rising aircraft fleet size to support rising passenger traffic.
China constitutes over 20% of the world’s aircraft market. Airbus is planning to set up a second production line in China for the A320 family by 2026. India is rapidly becoming an attractive market for all categories. In 2023, IndiGo and Air India have together placed orders for 970 planes.
