May 2021 Volume 3

MATERIALS

Aerospace Grade Materials Forged parts for aerospace and aviation applications need to meet rigorous standards. The parts will be exposed to many harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and pressure. Because of this, certain metal types are more sought after for the aerospace industry. For many years, aluminum alloys had been the top choice for aerospace applications. And while these alloys are still used today for aerospace parts, other alloy categories like titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, stainless steel, and copper alloys have become more popular for aerospace applications over the last few decades.

Nickel-based superalloys that are frequently used for the aerospace industry include K400, K500, 625, 718, 901, 903, and 909.

There are many advantages for using certain metal groups over others, depending on the purpose and demands of the part. When forging parts for the aerospace industry, additional technical, engineering, and metallurgical support are critical to ensure these parts meet the high quality and durability requirements.

TitaniumAlloys These alloys are known for having high tensile strength to density ratio and have a high resistance to corrosive elements – making these alloys ideal for many different industries. Titanium alloys are most used for aerospace applications, specifically Ti6-4, Ti6-2-4-2, and Ti5-2.5 alloys. Stainless Steel One of the most popular groups of any metal alloys. These alloys are used across many different sectors – particularly because of their strength and lighter-weight properties. The stainless steel categories that are commonly used in the aerospace industry are the 4130 series and the 4340 series. ■

AluminumAlloys These alloys are unique in that, unlike other metal groups, they require stress relief tempers and ages in the forging process. Aluminum is known for being durable and lightweight – ideal characteristics for various aerospace applications. Commonly sought after aluminum alloys for the aerospace industry include 1100, 2014, 6061, 7075, and 7175. Copper Alloys Best known for their conductibility for both electricity and heat, copper alloys continue to be used for many different applications within the aerospace industry. Copper alloys typically used for the aerospace industry include 10100, 18150, and 18200. Nickel-Based Superalloys These alloys were created for various industrial uses - including aerospace applications. They have many desirable traits, including high resistance to corrosion and erosion, and have incredible strength at high temperatures while maintaining their shape.

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FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021