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Aerospace is an important support for manufacturing. From development to finished product, aerospace manufacturing plays the most important role. What aerospace manufacturing technologies are used? How to find the right material for aerospace parts? In this article, we describe common aerospace manufacturing methods, materials, inspection, and quality control.

Aerospace manufacturing technology

Once the part design is approved, production can begin. The manufacturing process should be selected based on the production volume and required lead time.

Additive manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to the process of creating physical components from virtual 3D computer models by adding material, usually in layers. Common additive manufacturing technologies include 3D printing, sheet lamination, material extrusion, etc. Aerospace is one of the pioneer industries for additive manufacturing, an industry characterized by small batches and manufacturer-specific adaptations. Additive manufacturing can be used to create unique geometries and lattice structures that reduce weight and help dissipate heat. It is also an excellent technology to make semi-hollow parts with advanced materials and reduce weight while maintaining strength, which is in line with the development trend of aerospace products. Additive manufacturing is designed for low-volume aerospace parts.

CNC machining

Aircraft precision is critical, from airframes to small parts, CNC machining services can precisely produce specific aerospace parts and tools. For example, CNC machines can even create barely visible parts inside an engine, or modify an airplane's wing with extreme precision to ensure it works efficiently. CNC machining is a good option when the finished part requires additional finishing precision, or requires precise dimensions and a good surface finish.

Aviation Parts Materials

Based on the unique characteristics and requirements of aircraft structures, complex parts made of lightweight materials are preferred, thus determining which materials are suitable for the industry. With the development of modern technology, more and more alternative materials have emerged to create lighter, more aerodynamic aircraft that can withstand more extreme environmental conditions, such as new composite materials and alloys. Some popular aerospace materials are listed here.

– Stainless Steel: Stainless steel 17-4 PH is widely used for aerospace CNC machining or 3D printing because of its high strength, good corrosion resistance, and good mechanical properties at temperatures up to 600°F.

– Aluminum: Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for supporting high-load aerospace enclosures and brackets, plus it is easy and cost-effective to machine. For nearly a century, the aerospace industry has relied on aluminum to make parts. The most commonly used aluminum alloy in aerospace is 7075 aluminum, which is as strong as steel with good fatigue strength and average machinability.

– Titanium: Titanium is a combination of light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. Today's commercial aircraft use far more titanium than previous designs. Titanium components are commonly used in the manufacture of fastening elements, fuselages and landing gear for aircraft such as aircraft jet engines and spacecraft, as well as engine components including disks, blades, shafts and casings. Titanium 6AL-4V alloy accounts for almost 50% of all alloys used in aircraft. Taking advantage of the high weight-to-strength ratio, aerospace components made of titanium consume less fuel.

– Inconel: is a nickel-chromium superalloy commonly used in 3D printing of rocket engine components and other aerospace applications that require high temperature resistance.

– Composite materials: Including carbon fiber, glass and aramid-reinforced epoxy resins, composite materials are lightweight and can be used to create fuel-efficient aircraft. They can also withstand high drag and fatigue, making them ideal for wings.

Aerospace Inspection and Quality Control

Inspections must be carried out after the manufacturing process, especially for, in terms of quality control in the aerospace industry, every tiny part should meet specific quality standards and certifications. The most important certification for aerospace is AS9100D. AS9100D is an aerospace industry quality standard adopted from the ISO 9000/ISO 9001 standard.

Shenzhen Xiehe Company is mainly engaged in the production and manufacture of non-standard precision hardware parts. It has been deeply involved in the industry for many years and has rich experience. If you have aluminum, copper, stainless steel,

For CNC processing, CNC lathe processing, and five-axis processing services for iron, titanium alloys, and plastics, please contact Xiehe, and we will provide you with an integrated solution.