Defense Manufacturing

Composites play a critical role in military and defense applications, where they must perform in demanding, high-impact environments. Thermoset composite materials, which are formed through high-pressure and high-temperature lamination processes, offer several key advantages that are particularly beneficial for the defense industry:

Corrosion Resistance
Exposure to oxygen and other elements can cause metal to corrode and weaken over time. Thermoset composites, however, resist corrosion due to the impermeable nature of the resins and substrates used. This makes them highly resistant to solvents and harsh environments, resulting in a significantly longer service life compared to traditional materials.

Fatigue Resistance
Metals often develop microfractures after repeated stress, weakening the material. Thermoset composites do not suffer from microfractures, making them more durable and less prone to failure under repeated bending or impact.

Strength
Composites are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for structural components in defense vehicles. For instance, G10, a glass epoxy composite, offers nearly twice the tensile strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum, providing enhanced strength without added weight.

Insulation
Thermoset composites offer excellent electrical and thermal insulation properties, protecting sensitive defense equipment from electrical currents and high temperatures. Materials like G10 and FR4 are poor conductors of both heat and electricity, making them superior insulators for critical applications.

Temperature Tolerance
Defense vehicles and weapons systems are often exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Thermoset composites can withstand a wide range of temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in both high-heat and freezing conditions.

Flexibility
Thermoset composites can be tailored to meet the specific needs of defense applications. Aztec Plastic works closely with customers to create custom materials and parts that meet exact performance requirements.

Weight
Thermoset composites are lighter than metal, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in defense vehicles. Their reduced weight also translates to lower operational costs, making them a more cost-effective choice for military applications.

The defense industry utilizes thermoset composites in a wide range of applications, including:

• Control systems
• Engines
• Fighter jets
• Missiles
• Blades and propellers
• Braking systems
• Instrument enclosures
• Seats
• Ballistics components
• Naval vessels
• Ring seals
• Nozzles
• Wall and floor structures
• Window frames

These materials are chosen for their exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to harsh environments, making them ideal for demanding defense applications.

For over 54 years, Aztec Plastic has been a trusted supplier to DoD Tier 1 contractors, providing custom solutions for defense applications. Founded to meet the specific needs of these contractors, defense work has always been at our core, and we remain dedicated to supporting those who protect our country.

As a leading supplier of thermoset composite laminates, we offer a wide range of in-stock materials at our Chicago machining facility. Our inventory includes raw thermocomposite and thermoplastic materials, along with advanced machinery to produce parts per your exact specifications.

We specialize in custom-fabricating parts using machine-ready precision blanks, and we work closely with you to select the optimal material for your needs—whether it's for weight reduction, corrosion resistance, or flexibility in defense vehicles and applications. Aztec Plastic is committed to delivering high-quality solutions for the organizations that defend our nation.

We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance to meet the rigorous demands of the defense industry. Our certifications reflect our commitment to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. These credentials ensure that we consistently deliver precision, reliability, and top-tier performance in every project we undertake.

ISO 9001:2015
As a certified ISO 9001:2015 company, we adhere to internationally recognized standards for quality management systems. This certification demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and maintaining operational efficiency across all our processes.

AS9100 Rev D
We are certified to AS9100 Rev D, the global standard for quality management in the aerospace industry. This certification is essential for manufacturing components that meet the specific needs of the defense and aerospace sectors, ensuring that our products meet the highest levels of safety, reliability, and quality.

ITAR Compliance
Our company is fully compliant with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This ensures that we are authorized to handle and produce defense-related materials, technologies, and services while maintaining the security and confidentiality required by U.S. government regulations.

Woman-Owned Business (WBENC and WOSB)
Aztec Plastic is proud to be a Woman-Owned Business (WOB), certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program. These certifications not only highlight our commitment to diversity and inclusion but also provide our clients with the opportunity to engage with a business that fosters innovation and leadership in the defense sector.

These certifications underline our dedication to maintaining the highest levels of quality, compliance, and security in every aspect of our defense manufacturing capabilities. With Aztec, you can trust that your projects are in the hands of an experienced, certified partner committed to excellence.