Duncan Aviation has reported on the success of its hydrographics and vinyl wrapping solutions, and what it has planned for the future.
The company started with some basic tooling to prove the concept and evaluate if the solution should be offered to customers. The two- to three-year journey has consisted of continually upgrading equipment and finding new challenges.
The finish shop currently has two full-size dipping tanks, two full-size rinse tanks, an automatic dipping arm and an automatic spray system. These solutions can be used on interior components, panels, accents and even full cabinets, depending on their size. The capabilities open up a variety of aesthetic options for interior finishes without changing cabinet veneer, and designs can include wood grain, stone, metals, as well as custom designs. The company said that some options allow shorter downtimes than traditional methods and are excellent solutions to cabinetry with clouding finishes. The solutions also provide new finish options for countertops and sinks without weight restraints or engineering requirements.
Finish shop team leader Chris Nelson said that this technology is taking off, and the Duncan Aviation Interior shop has done 10 complete vinyl projects, six complete hydrodipping projects, and 20 partial hydrodipping projects. The Duncan Aviation team has received positive feedback and has extremely pleased customers.
Completion sales representative Matt Spain said that the Duncan Aviation Interior shop recently wrapped all of the cabinets for a Challenger 601 with vinyl. “The chief pilot told me that the aesthetics of the wrap exceeded their expectations,” said Spain. “He also said that the wrap not only looks really good, but was a much more cost-effective option over traditional veneer for installation in a legacy aircraft.”
The chief pilot also told Spain that they have received positive feedback from some of their passengers, and the workmanship was first class.
Duncan Aviation is now proceeding with its development of other interior offerings. “We have received such positive feedback on our hydrodipping and wrap solutions, that we are looking to expand our capabilities to offer other alternative finishes,” said Nelson. “We have completed extensive research and will soon be offering services for thermal foil, thermal forming and sublimation. With these expanded capabilities we will be able to offer more customisation using a process that is permanent with unmatched clarity, bringing yet another proven technology within reach of corporate aviation.”
As customer demand increases, the Finish Team at Duncan Aviation will continue to build the hydrographic, vinyl wrap, and sublimation area.
