In the demanding world of aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, precision and reliability aren't just buzzwords – they're absolute necessities. When it comes to applying sealants, adhesives, and other critical materials, aerospace professionals rely on specialized tools that deliver consistent, accurate results. Among these tools, PPG SEMCO® Cartridges stand out as industry standards, offering dependable performance in applications where precision matters most.

What Are PPG SEMCO® Cartridges?

PPG SEMCO® Cartridges are specialized dispensing containers designed for the precise application of aerospace sealants, adhesives, and other materials. These disposable plastic cartridges serve as the foundation of a comprehensive dispensing system used throughout the aerospace industry, enabling technicians to apply materials with the accuracy and consistency required for aircraft assembly and maintenance.

Key Features and Specifications

The PPG Aerospace Store offers a range of SEMCO® Cartridges with various specifications to meet different application needs:

Size Options

SEMCO® Cartridges come in multiple capacities to accommodate different project requirements:

• 1 oz
• 2.5 oz
• 6 oz
• 8 oz
• 12 oz
• 20 oz
• 32 oz
• 1/10th gallon

Material Construction

PPG offers two primary material options for their cartridges:

1. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): These translucent cartridges offer greater rigidity and chemical resistance, making them ideal for more aggressive materials or applications requiring higher pressure.
2. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): These provide slightly more flexibility, which can be advantageous for certain dispensing applications and material types.

Universal Compatibility

All SEMCO® Cartridges feature a 1/4" NPT female thread dispensing orifice, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of dispensing tools, nozzles, and accessories within the PPG aerospace ecosystem.

Popular SEMCO® Cartridge Options

Based on the PPG Aerospace Store's offerings, some of the most popular cartridge options include:

6 oz SEMCO® Cartridges

Available in both HDPE (SKU: 220318) and LDPE (SKU: 220317) versions, these mid-sized cartridges offer versatility for a wide range of applications, priced at $2.84 per unit.

12 oz SEMCO® Cartridges

For larger applications, the 12 oz cartridges provide extended capacity while maintaining precision. Available in HDPE (SKU: 220322) at $5.68 and LDPE (SKU: 220321) at $5.69.

20 oz SEMCO® Cartridges

For substantial projects requiring larger material volumes, the 20 oz HDPE cartridge (SKU: 229734) offers an economical solution at $6.44 per unit.

32 oz SEMCO® Cartridges

The largest standard option (SKU: 232917) provides maximum capacity for major applications at $10.67 per unit.

Applications in Aerospace

SEMCO® Cartridges play a crucial role in numerous aerospace applications:

1. Sealing and Bonding: Used to apply sealants around windows, doors, and panel joints to ensure airtight and watertight integrity.
2. Fuel Tank Sealing: Special fuel-resistant sealants are applied using these cartridges to ensure leak-free fuel containment.
3. Structural Adhesive Application: Precision application of structural adhesives for composite and metal bonding.
4. Gap Filling and Fairing: Used to create smooth transitions and fill gaps in aircraft structures.
5. Potting and Encapsulation: For protecting electronic components from moisture, vibration, and other environmental factors.

Benefits of Using PPG SEMCO® Cartridges

Precision Dispensing

The design of SEMCO® Cartridges allows for controlled application, reducing waste and ensuring materials are applied exactly where needed.

Material Compatibility

These cartridges are engineered to handle a wide range of aerospace-grade materials, from lightweight sealants to dense adhesives.

Efficiency

The disposable nature of these cartridges eliminates time-consuming cleanup processes and reduces cross-contamination risks.

System Integration

As part of a comprehensive dispensing system, these cartridges work seamlessly with PPG's dispensing tools, plungers, nozzles, and other accessories.

Quality Assurance

By providing consistent dispensing capabilities, SEMCO® Cartridges help maintain quality standards in critical aerospace applications.

Choosing the Right Cartridge for Your Application

When selecting a SEMCO® Cartridge, consider these factors:

1. Volume Requirements: Match the cartridge size to your application needs to minimize waste and cartridge changes.
2. Material Compatibility: Consider whether HDPE or LDPE is more appropriate for your specific material and application pressure.
3. Dispensing System: Ensure you have the appropriate plungers, dispensing guns, and nozzles for your selected cartridge.
4. Special Requirements: For applications requiring color coding or specialized materials, note that PPG can provide special colors with minimum order quantities.

Conclusion

PPG SEMCO® Cartridges represent a fundamental component in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance operations. Their precision, reliability, and integration with a comprehensive dispensing system make them the preferred choice for aerospace professionals worldwide.

Whether you're sealing critical components, applying structural adhesives, or performing maintenance operations, these cartridges provide the foundation for quality workmanship. With options ranging from small 2.5 oz units to substantial 32 oz containers, in both HDPE and LDPE materials, PPG's range of SEMCO® Cartridges offers solutions for virtually any aerospace application requiring precise material dispensing.

For more information or to order PPG SEMCO® Cartridges for your aerospace applications, visit the PPG Aerospace Store.

Note: This blog post is based on product information available from the PPG Aerospace Store website. For the most current pricing, specifications, and availability, please consult the official website or contact PPG directly.