Premier materials for use in aircraft components construction and repair

Chrome-Nickel steels are corrosion resistant metals. The anti-corrosive degree of this material is determined by the surface condition of the metal and composition, temperature and concentration of the corrosive material. The key element of stainless steel is chromium. The corrosion resistant steels are most usually used in aircraft manufacturing.

The stainless steel can be rolled, drawn, bent or formed to any shape. As these materials expand about 50% more than mild steel and conduct heat by 40% as fast, they are more complicated to weld. Stainless steel can be used for any component of an aircraft. The common applications are in manufacturing exhaust collectors, stacks, structural and machined components, springs, castings, tie rods and control wires.

The chrome-vanadium steels are made from 18% vanadium and about 1% chromium. When heat processed, they have strength, hardness and resistance to wear and fatigue. It can be folded and flattened without signs of breaking or failure. They are used in the production of springs, balls and roller bearings.

Inconel alloys are used in aircraft exhaust systems. Inconel grades have high nickel concentration and the electrochemical test detects nickel. Uses of Inconel wire in aerospace industry are significant.

Aluminum is another one of the most commonly used metals in modern aircraft construction. It is crucial to the aviation industry as of its high strength to weight ratio and easy fabrication. The excellent property of aluminum is being lightweight. Aluminum metals at low temperature about 1250oF.

Pure aluminum has a tensile strength of 13,000 psi, however its strength may be about doubled by rolling or other cold processing methods. The combination with other metals or through heat processing, the tensile strength can be increased to 65,000 psi or to within the strength range of the structural steel.

Titanium is a widespread metal, it is used in diverse commercial units and is in constant demand for the numerous items like pumps, screens, tools and fixtures where corrosion attack is prevalent. In aircraft manufacturing and repair, titanium has major use for fuselage skins, engine shrouds, firewalls, longerons, frames, air ducts and fasteners.

Titanium is used in the production of compressor disks, spacer rings, compressor blades, vanes, turbines and liners and hardware for turbine engines. Titanium looks similar to stainless steel.

Titanium has high melting point. The corrosion resistance of titanium is featured by the development of a security surface layer of stable oxide or chemi-absorbed oxygen. The layer is usually developed in the presence of oxygen an oxidizing agents.

Monel is widely used in gears and chains to operate retractable landing gears and for the structural components subjected to corrosion. In aircraft industry, Monel 400 is used in parts requiring high strength and resistance to corrosion like exhaust manifolds and carburetor needle valves and sleeves.

In choosing substitute metals for the repair and maintenance of aircraft, it is crucial to check the suitable structural repair manual. Aircraft manufacturers design structural members to meet specific load requirements for a specific aircraft.

All steel is hot worked from the ingot into some form from which it is hot or cold processed to the finished shape.