Aerospace coatings & plating technology

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

In our search for new technologies, we cooperate closely with our long-standing customers. When doing so, we make use of our expert knowledge and certified methods. Our engineers focus on corrosion protection in the aerospace and defence sectors: our aerospace coatings and surface finishes provide components with long-term protection against damages caused by environmental influences. Maintenance and repair costs can thus be reduced to a significant extent. Examples include components for cargo loading systems of passenger and cargo planes.

benefits of aerospace industry

… 3, 2, 1, Zero – When every gram counts

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.

Shot peening

Pretreatments

degreasing
etching or FPC – Fluoride-Phosphate Conversion

Testing

FPI (Fluorescent penetrant inspection), blue etch, macro etching

Chemical conversion

SurTec® 650
Alodine

Conversion coatings

Hard anodizing
SAA
CAA
SAA-titanium
E-Coating

Top coatings

Solvent paintings
Water-based paint
Primary bonding
Dry lubricant

Hot Isostatic Pressing

Hot Isostatic Pressing for the recompression and increasing the strength of turbine blades

Austempered

Austempered and Marquenched Steel:

Landing gear components
Braking systems

Austempered Ductile Iron:

Hydraulic system components

IVD aluminium coating: efficient against corrosion

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