A Quick Look at Aerospace Grade Metals
26 April 2022
One of the most delicate yet valuable industries today is the aerospace industry. This industry is delicate as it requires aircraft to be manufactured very well. Without taking into consideration quality control and other related elements, a lot of lives and revenues may be lost due to faulty or weak components.
Numerous factors come into play whenever designers and aerospace manufacturers choose the materials for their needed equipment pieces, parts, and components. Some of these factors include functional requirements, production costs, and upkeep expenses. As for the properties of the materials, they must select those that are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, fatigue-resistant, and cost-effective.
Fortunately, many grades of metals can be utilised in creating aerospace components, parts, and others. Here is a quick look at aerospace-grade metals that manufacturers can utilise.
Aluminium
One metal that can be utilised for aerospace applications is aluminium. Almost 80% of existing aerospace components today are made from aluminium. What makes aluminium notable for aerospace applications is it is lightweight. It can also take simple to complex shapes through forging, casting, and other fabricating processes. Other great qualities of aluminium include corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, and recyclability.
Some grades of aluminium that can be utilised by the aerospace industry are 6061, 2024, and 7075. Aluminium 6061 has good strength, corrosion resistance, and finishing ability. Aluminium 2024, on the other hand, provides excellent fatigue resistance. Aluminium 7075, ultimately, has the most notable machinability out of aerospace aluminium grades.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another type of metal that can be used for aerospace applications. Somehow similar to aluminium, this specific metal has been preferred by many aerospace manufacturers thanks to its remarkable corrosion resistance and high-temperature tolerance. It is also maximised as it can easily withstand high stress and impact. Stainless steel materials can be useful for crafting landing gear components, fasteners, exhaust ducts, flanges, and actuators.
Varying stainless steel grades can be used for creating the aerospace industry. Stainless Steel 310, for instance, is maximised thanks to its high resistance to rigorous elements. Stainless Steel 321 is another metal grade that can work well with aerospace applications due to its resistance to intergranular corrosion and extreme temperatures.
Titanium
One more metal that can be used for aerospace manufacturing is titanium. Titanium is a metal material often picked by aerospace manufacturers thanks to its weight, strength, and efficiency. It may be heavier than aluminium, but its weight can already sustain the operations of an aircraft. Titanium is also known to be cost-effective and strong. It can even withstand both low and high-temperature levels. This material is often used for engine components, landing gear, hydraulic systems, and aircraft frames.
Titanium 6AL-4V and Titanium Grade 2 are two titanium grades that are perfect for aerospace applications. Titanium 6AL-4V alloy is being utilised in the aerospace industry thanks to its excellent strength, ductility, fracture toughness, temperature resistance, and creep characteristics. Titanium Grade 2, alternatively, is an alloy that has outstanding corrosion resistance and strength.
To know more about aerospace-grade metals, you can contact us at Amon Engineering.
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