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Fibox - Aluminium and Polycarbonate: Materials That Matter for UK Defence


performance in extreme cold. Unlike some materials that become brittle, aluminium retains its toughness and can even gain tensile strength at low temperatures, which is particularly valuable for Arctic deployments or high-altitude missions. On top of this, aluminium naturally resists corrosion by forming a protective oxide layer, and anodising treatments enhance that protection, reducing the maintenance burden in harsh environments.


Polycarbonate, meanwhile, brings a very different set of strengths. Known for its toughness and transparency, PC stays rigid to 135–140 °C and remains impact-resistant down to –40 °C. Its electrical insulation properties make it a strong candidate for transparent or opaque enclosures around sensitive optical or electronic equipment. In addition, flame-retardant grades with UL 94 5VA certification give designers further confidence in safety-critical applications.


Within the UK defence sector, material choice isn’t simply about engineering performance; it can shape mission success, safety, and long-term sustainability. Two materials that stand out in this context are aluminium and polycarbonate (PC). Both offer unique advantages, and when used wisely, they can make equipment lighter, tougher, and more resilient.


Aluminium has long been a favourite in defense applications. It’s easy to see why. With a density of just 2.7 g/cm3—about a third that of steel—it allows for significant weight savings without compromising strength. That translates directly into more agile land vehicles, longer-ranging aircraft, and ships that can carry heavier payloads. Aluminium can also be cast into complex, high-precision shapes, making it ideal for housing, brackets, and cooling systems. One of its lesser-known benefits is its


Taken together, aluminium and polycarbonate are not competitors but complementary solutions. Aluminium underpins lightweight, durable structures with proven circularity, while polycarbonate provides tough, clear, protective elements. Defence systems increasingly need both: aluminium for structural efficiency and sustainability, PC for human-centred protection and clarity. Choosing the right material—or combining the two—helps ensure that UK defence remains agile, resilient, and forward-looking.


When choosing products, look no further than Fibox, a wide range of sizes and available throughout the UK and Ireland.


u www.fibox.com


EK SERIES MODULAR


Standard knockouts make it easy to connect multiple enclosures as your needs evolve.


DURABLE


Our high-quality PUR flange gaskets ensure a secure seal and maintain full IP rating, even in extended configurations.


BUILT TO ADAPT


Ideal for scalable systems, retrofits, or future-proof designs.


www.fibox.com Email: www.salesuk@fibox.com Phone: 01642 604400


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QUALITY. RELIABLE. TRUSTED. Discover the smarter way to build with Fibox EK.


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2025 13


ENGINEERED FOR TRUE MODULAR FLEXIBILITY


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