Shrink wrapping an airplane is a great way to keep it safe while stored, moved, or being worked on. The process uses a special plastic covering that tightens around the plane to form a strong shield. This barrier protects the aircraft from dust, water, sun damage, and other dangers, keeping it in excellent shape. Atlantic Shrink Wrapping has the experience and experts you need for your aviation shrink wrapping needs.
Aircraft Shrink Wrapping: How the Process Works
Protecting an airplane is a very detailed job that needs careful attention at every step. The process of shrink wrapping a plane is not something that can be rushed. It is a professional service that uses special materials and skills to make sure the aircraft is completely safe from the environment. This is especially important for expensive airplanes that need to be stored outside for a long time or transported across the country.
Every part of the process is done with the goal of creating a perfect seal. This seal acts like a strong shield against all kinds of weather and potential hazards. The following steps show how technicians turn a large roll of plastic into a custom-made suit of armor for an airplane.
Preparation
The very first thing that must happen is a full and complete cleaning of the entire aircraft. This is the most important step because putting a wrap over dirt can cause serious problems. Technicians will carefully wash the plane to remove all dirt, dust, grease, and any other debris stuck to the surface. They do this to make sure the plastic film will stick properly and that no contaminants are trapped underneath.
If any dirt is left under the wrap, it could scratch the paint or even damage the surface of the plane when the wind moves the plastic around. The technicians also do a close inspection of the aircraft. They look for any sensitive parts, like sensors or antennas, that might need extra padding or a different approach to protect them during the wrapping process. Good preparation sets the stage for a successful wrap.
Measuring and Cutting the Film
Next, the team has to measure the entire airplane to know how much film they will need. This is not a one-size-fits-all job because every aircraft is a different size and shape. They have to account for the length of the fuselage, the width of the wings, and the height of the tail. Using these careful measurements, they then cut a huge piece of specialized shrink-wrap film to the exact custom size needed.
The goal is to have a single piece of film that is large enough to cover the entire plane without leaving any gaps. If the piece is too small, it won’t provide full coverage. If it’s too large, it’ll be wasteful and harder to handle. This step requires precision to ensure there is enough material to create a tight seal all the way around the aircraft.
Applying the Shrink Wrap
Now, the team must physically drape the massive sheet of plastic over the aircraft. This usually takes several people working together to manage the large and heavy material. They start at one end, such as the nose or the tail, and slowly work their way to the other end. It is very important that the film is positioned correctly from the beginning.
They have to smooth it out as they go to prevent wrinkles and bunching. The edges of the film must be aligned properly so that they can be sealed later. The technicians make sure the film is lying evenly over the wings and the tail. The goal at this stage is to get the film sitting evenly over the whole plane before they apply the heat.
Heat Shrinking
This is the most critical step where the loose plastic becomes a tight protective skin. Technicians use a heat gun and slowly move it over the entire surface of the plastic film. As the hot air hits the plastic, it causes the material to shrink.
You can actually see it getting tighter and smoother, conforming to the exact shape of the airplane’s body, wings, and tail. The technicians have to be very careful and consistent with the heat, making sure every single area shrinks evenly. This process removes all the wrinkles and creates a firm, drum-like fit. This incredibly tight fit is what makes the wrap so effective at blocking out wind, rain, dust, and sunlight, ensuring the aircraft is completely protected.
Final Touches
Once the entire film has been shrunk to fit perfectly, the job is not quite done. The technicians now focus on sealing and reinforcing all the edges and seams. They use a strong, durable tape specifically made for this purpose or apply more heat to melt the seams together. This crucial step makes sure that the wrap will not come loose, even in strong winds or during long transportation on a truck.
They do a final check, walking around the entire aircraft to look for any weak spots or areas that might need more tape. The final result is a sleek, smooth, and tightly sealed aircraft that looks almost like it’s in a cocoon. It’s now fully protected from dust, dirt, moisture, UV rays, and other potential hazards, ready for storage or travel.
Benefits of Aircraft Shrink Wrapping
The shrink wrap shields the aircraft from environmental factors like UV rays, rain, snow, and dust. This is important when storing planes outdoors for extended periods or during long-distance transportation. By keeping moisture and contaminants away from the plane’s surface, shrink wrapping helps to prevent corrosion and rust, which can be costly to repair.
Compared to traditional methods of storage, shrink wrapping is a more affordable option. It can also be applied relatively quickly, making it a time-efficient solution. When an aircraft is stored or transported in good condition, it retains more of its original value. Shrink wrapping ensures that the plane remains in pristine condition when it’s not in use for a while.
Aircraft shrink wrapping is a simple yet highly effective technique for safeguarding planes from damage during storage, transportation, and maintenance. By using a durable plastic film that fits tightly around the aircraft, this process protects it from the elements and preserves its condition.
Whether you’re storing a plane for the winter or shipping it to a new location, shrink wrapping is a cost-effective solution to ensure your aircraft stays in top shape. Contact Atlantic Shrink Wrapping today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how our shrink-wrapping services can help you.