EXOTIC MATERIAL
CRITICAL MACHINING
Machining requires materials that combine strength, durability, lightweight properties, and resistance to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, pressure, and corrosion. Here are the most commonly used materials in machining.
Aluminium Alloys
Properties: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and easy to machine.
Applications: Widely used for structural components, fuselage panels, and wings due to their high fatigue resistance.
Examples: 2024, 6061, and 7075 aluminium alloys.
Titanium Alloys
Properties: Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to high temperatures, and excellent corrosion resistance.
Applications: Ideal for engine components, airframes, landing gear, and other critical components exposed to extreme stress.
Examples: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) is the most commonly used alloy.
Steel and Stainless Steel
Properties: High strength, wear resistance, and durability, with some grades offering good corrosion resistance.
Applications: Used in landing gear, fasteners, actuators, and hydraulic systems where high strength is crucial.
Examples: 300 and 400 series stainless steels, as well as high-strength steels like 17-4 PH.
Nickel-Based Super alloys (e.g., Inconel)
Properties: Excellent resistance to heat, oxidation, and corrosion; maintains strength at high temperatures.
Applications: Critical for turbine blades, combustion chambers, exhaust systems, and other engine components operating at extreme temperatures.
Examples: Inconel 718, Inconel 625, and Hastelloy.
Composites (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers - CFRP)
Properties: Extremely lightweight, high strength, and resistant to fatigue and corrosion.
Applications: Used in aircraft fuselages, wings, and interior components to reduce overall weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Magnesium Alloys
Properties: Extremely lightweight with good machinability and vibration damping properties.
Applications: Used in certain non-structural aerospace components where reducing weight is critical.
Copper Alloys
Properties: Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and machinability.
Applications: Commonly used in electrical components and heat exchangers in aerospace systems.
High-Performance Plastics
Properties: Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and machinability.
Applications: Commonly used in electrical components and heat exchangers in aerospace systems.