Reliable Electroplating Solutions for Aerospace
Airplanes soar to high altitudes, facing extreme temperatures while safely transporting passengers. In these challenging conditions, even a small equipment failure can have serious consequences.
Barrel plating is a highly cost-effective method to electroplate loose piece manufactured parts to meet specific requirements like corrosion resistance and electrical properties. This technique can handle high volumes of small or varied metal parts, making it ideal for improved durability and performance.
The Role of Electroplating in the Aerospace Industry
The electroplating process involves a metal component being immersed in an electrolyte solution and an electrical charge causing protective metal ions to deposit evenly on its surface. In the aerospace industry, this process plays several critical roles:
- Extends Lifespan: Creates a barrier against friction, corrosion, oxidation, chemical exposure and radiation, helping parts last longer.
- Enhances Performance: Improves solderability, paint adhesion, electrical conductivity and resistance to wear – even in extreme temperatures.
- Reduces Maintenance Costs: Fewer part replacements mean lower costs and less downtime for an aircraft.
- Upgrades Appearance: Provides a smooth, finished look by rounding edges or adding a matte or glossy finish.
- Complements Advanced Materials: Works particularly well with materials like titanium, which is lightweight and strong but oxidizes quickly, by enhancing its bonding with other metals.
Applications of Electroplating in the Aerospace Industry
Electroplating is essential for various aerospace contexts, ensuring both performance and safety:
- Corrosion Protection: Prevents accelerated corrosion from atmospheric exposure, preserving the structural integrity of aircrafts.
- Enhanced Brazing: Improves the process of joining metal surfaces, such as frames and turbine blades, by applying copper and zinc alloys beforehand.
- Improved Durability: Nickel alloy plating creates a hard, wear-resistant exterior that keeps parts and entire vehicles in service longer, even during refurbishment.
- Oxidation Resistance: Additional processes like anodizing can thicken the protective layer, delaying oxidation and further protecting against corrosion.
- Chemical Resistance: For aluminum and its alloy parts, electroplating improves chemical resistance and paint adhesion.
Types of Coatings Used in the Aerospace Industry
American Electro Products offers a range of coating tailored for different aerospace materials:
- Titanium Coatings: Since metal coatings don’t naturally bond well with titanium, AEP first applies a layer of nickel or a nickel alloy (sometimes phosphorous) to improve corrosion resistance, light absorption and solderability.
- Other Metal Coatings: Depending on the substrate, AEP can apply zinc-metal coatings for long-term corrosion protection and cadmium coatings to shield steel and aluminum parts, such as engine components, landing gear, structural elements and bolts.
What We Offer
Need a partner to support your manufacturing, assembly or customization operations? Explore our full range of electroplating capabilities and learn how we can help enhance your products. Call us today or fill out a contact form.