aerospace
Aircraft coatings & platings for corrosion protection: light, robust and durable
first line of defence
Satellites, probes, space shuttles, and aircraft: they all need to function dependably under extreme conditions in space or at high altitude. Two of their important lines of defence are the strength of the material and the coating applied to their exterior. Which is why heat treatment and surface technologies used in the aerospace industry are subject to particularly rigorous requirements.
For decades, the industry has relied on the sophisticated and highly developed heat and surface treatment processes implemented by Aalberts surface technologies. We create the perfect solution, custom designed to individual needs. And numerous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customer endorsements are testament to this.
corrosion protection: light, robust and durable
benefits of aerospace industry
For craft operating in the aerospace industry, both construction materials and coatings need to be as lightweight as possible, to help save fuel and allow for reserves.
Historically relied on austempering to increase strength and toughness in the most demanding applications. All while minimizing distortion in comparison to other heat treatment methods. Furthermore, vacuum brazing and hot isostatic pressing are important processes in aerospace.
At the same time, the coating needs to be resistant to corrosion, increasing the component’s durability and its economic efficiency. And for equipment heading to space, it’s vital that the surface is able to offer extreme impact protection, helping to protect it against collisions with small meteorites or asteroids.
- degreasing
- etching or FPC – Fluoride-Phosphate Conversion
- SurTec® 650
- Alodine
- Hard anodizing
- SAA
- CAA
- SAA-titanium
- E-Coating
- Solvent paintings
- Water-based paint
- Primary bonding
- Dry lubricant
Hot Isostatic Pressing for the recompression and increasing the strength of turbine blades
Austempered and Marquenched Steel:
- Landing gear components
- Braking systems
Austempered Ductile Iron:
- Hydraulic system components
Apart from anodizing, hardanodizing, plasma coating and varnishing processes, ion-assisted aluminium coatings have become well established in the aerospace industry. After degreasing and sandblasting, the workpiece is transferred into a chamber for vacuum coating, where its surface is cleaned by means of plasma glow discharge. Immediately afterwards, it is vaporised with electrically charged aluminium powder.The result: efficient corrosion protection at temperatures between 0 and 300°C. IVD aluminium by Aalberts surface technologies is available in three coating classes:
- >25 µm for very high corrosion resistance (at least 504 h in the salt spray test)
- 13 to 25 µm for close tolerances
- 8 to 13 µm for fasteners and particularly narrow tolerances and/or delicate surfaces
relevant process locations
get in touch
Select your preferred process location or contact us directly.
