Introduction
An aerospace manufacturing company. known for its expertise in crafting payload fairings, faced a significant challenge: protecting these vital components from moisture damage or degradation during transit. This concern is due to the susceptibility of composite materials used in the fairings to moisture absorption, requiring robust protective measures.
Using specialized packaging to shield the fairings from atmospheric elements such as moisture vapor and oxygen enhanced the reliability, ensuring the success of space missions. By partnering with 3D Barrier Bags, Inc. for barrier foil bags, we helped alleviate the risk of degradation domestically rather than sourcing the packaging from overseas.
Extending the operational lifespan of the fairings means that they could enhance the efficiency of their aerospace operations and reduce the frequency of replacements or repairs. This partnership highlights the critical role of protective packaging in preserving the integrity and performance of essential aerospace components.
Background
Specializing in manufacturing payload fairings, this company plays a pivotal role in space exploration by crafting essential components positioned atop rockets to safeguard payloads during launch. Understanding the significance of these fairings within the rocket, they place paramount importance on their integrity.
The threat of corrosion or degradation poses significant risks, potentially undermining mission success and compromising payload safety. As a result, they understood that they must prioritize implementing innovative packaging solutions to safeguard these components during transit and storage.
Challenges
This leading aerospace company faced numerous hurdles in shielding payloads from moisture vapor ingress. The composite materials that comprise these payloads are hygroscopic (susceptible to moisture absorption) because they do not have the final paint and finishing layers, thus needing effective protection against atmospheric elements like moisture vapor and oxygen. Failure to mitigate these risks could lead to degradation or operational malfunctions. Initially sourcing packaging from overseas, the company encountered an urgent need for domestic alternatives to adhere to project timelines amid a surge in demand.
Solution
The solution was simple: Find a reliable barrier foil supplier state-side. However, the challenge lay in the customization required to accommodate the payload fairings’ unique size and shape while meeting their previous supplier’s exact specifications.
This is where 3D Barrier Bags, Inc. stepped in. Collaborating closely, our packaging experts developed customized barrier foil bags to fit the payload fairings while adhering to the stringent standards set by their previous supplier. Using our own QPD Listed Mil-PRF-131 Class 1 material, 3D016, we manufactured the immense bags capable of enclosing the payload fairings entirely.
By incorporating 3D Barrier Bags, Inc.’s expertise with their requirements, we were able to provide a customized solution and reinforce the reliability and efficiency of domestic sourcing to keep them on their strict timelines.
Results
Adopting barrier foil bags within the payload fairings packaging process yielded significant results. Not only were the payload fairings substantially protected from moisture vapor ingress and corrosion, but because they were now sourcing the packaging domestically, they were meeting their timeline.
In conclusion, the innovative use of barrier foil bags in payload fairings exemplifies the company’s dedication to excellence and ingenuity in aerospace engineering. By effectively addressing the challenge of corrosion protection, they will continue to play a crucial role in enabling successful missions and ushering in a new era of exploration.
Ready to elevate your aerospace protective packaging? Discover the power of barrier foil packaging from 3D Barrier Bags, Inc. and join the ranks of industry leaders. Contact us today to secure your next mission’s success and experience the unparalleled reliability our packaging will offer.