Aircraft shrink wrapping is an innovative and effective way to protect airplanes during storage, transportation, and maintenance. This method involves covering the aircraft with a specialized plastic film that shrinks tightly around the plane, creating a protective barrier against environmental elements. Shrink wrapping serves to safeguard the aircraft from dust, dirt, moisture, UV rays, and other potential hazards, ensuring that the plane remains in optimal condition.
Preparation
Before the wrapping process begins, technicians carefully clean the aircraft. They remove all dirt, dust, and debris to ensure the shrink wrap adheres properly and doesn’t trap any contaminants that could damage the aircraft’s finish. Technicians also inspect the aircraft for any areas that require special attention, such as sensitive equipment.
Measuring and Cutting the Film
Once the plane is prepared, a custom-sized shrink-wrap film is measured and cut. The size of the wrap must be large enough to cover the entire aircraft, including the wings, fuselage, and tail. This step ensures that the film will be able to cover the plane without leaving any exposed areas.
Applying the Shrink Wrap
Technicians then drape the film over the aircraft. The process starts from one end of the plane and works towards the other. It is important to ensure that the wrap is positioned correctly, with the edges sealed tightly, to avoid gaps or loose areas.
Heat Shrinking
After applying the film, technicians use a specialized heat gun or shrink wrap machine to shrink the film. The heat causes the plastic to shrink and tighten around the aircraft, conforming to its shape. This is the key step in the process, as it creates a firm, secure fit that protects the aircraft from environmental damage.
Final Touches
Once the wrap has been shrunk to fit the aircraft, the edges are sealed and reinforced with additional tape or heat sealing to ensure that it stays in place during transportation or storage. The final result is a sleek, smooth, and tightly sealed aircraft, fully protected by its shrink-wrap covering.
Benefits of Aircraft Shrink Wrapping
The shrink wrap shields the aircraft from environmental factors such as UV rays, rain, snow, and dust. This is particularly 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, such as hangars, 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, especially 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 offers a cost-effective and efficient 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.