Aluminum alloys are often the metal of choice for aerospace components designed by engineers due to its high-strength and corrosion resistance properties. In comparison to steel, it is a lightweight metal that carries enough strength to serve as the ideal option in many aerospace applications. At Howard Precision Metals, we have your aluminum aerospace needs covered with a selection of alloys that are tailored to aerospace applications, including those for commercial, private, and military aircraft. As you read on, we discuss the variety of Aluminum Alloys typically used, but in many critical components there is additional testing of the aluminum that is required to insure against failure, such as ultrasonic testing.
Aluminum in Aircraft
The vast majority of the airframe of modern aircraft is made from aluminum in terms of weight. For instance, aluminum is the preferred material option for wing, fuselage and supporting structures of military transport/cargo aircraft and commercial airliners. U.S. Navy aircraft use structural components made from fabricated wrought aluminum. Aluminum casting technology is a major focus now, with this technology able to create intricate shapes and achieve innovative designs, which keeps manufacturing costs to a minimum.
Aluminum in Spacecraft
Since the first aircraft was launched into space, aluminum has been a prominent material used for space structures. It is ideal because of its light weight and its capability to handle the powerful loads and stresses that occur during the launch and operation of spacecraft. Aluminum has been used extensively on many of the famous space missions in history, including those involving Apollo, Skylab, the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttles. Aluminum alloys perform exceptionally compared to many other metals in terms of dampening, minimizing weight, thermal management, and mechanical stability.
Aluminum Grades for Aerospace Applications
The aluminum grade you choose will depend on your specific aerospace application. Machinability and corrosion resistance are some of the key factors to consider when evaluating aluminum alloys for aerospace applications.
Alloy 2014 – A beneficial alloy choice for framework due to its strength and machinability. However, it does not provide the level of corrosion resistance other aluminum grades do. Therefore, it should not be used in environments with high corrosive environments or environmental stressors.
Alloy 2024 – 2024 Aluminum alloy is used extensively for aerospace and aircraft components. It possesses high tensile strength, is treatable, and stress resistant. It can also be heat treated. Aluminum 2024 plate and sheet are ideal for aerospace applications involving structures, aircraft wings, and repairs.
Alloy 3003 – This alloy possesses good weldability and corrosion resistance. It is not heat treatable but is one of the more common aluminum alloys used for aircraft and aviation applications.
Alloy 5052 – As another aluminum alloy not suitable for heat treatment, 5052 does have a high fatigue strength compared to other aluminum alloys. It possesses good formability and corrosion resistance properties and is used commonly for fuel tanks in aircraft.
Alloy 6061 – 6061 Aluminum alloy may be welded and brazed. It is a workable alloy with superb corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in the fuselage and wings.
Alloy 6063 – This alloy is an excellent choice for architectural structures and anodizing requirements. High corrosion resistance and high tensile properties are some of the features of this alloy. It is an alloy often used for aesthetic purposes.
Alloy 7050 – 7050 aluminum alloy is a great option for military aircraft and wing skins. This alloy may be reheated and is applicable for military aircraft and wing skins. It possesses a superb strength-to-weight ratio.
Alloy 7068 – Used extensively for aircraft applications, this alloy is one of the strongest available aluminum alloys for aerospace applications. It is a popular alloy grade for applications that involve exposure to high level environmental stressors. It possesses a high level of strength and corrosion resistance.
Alloy 7075 – Aluminum alloy 7075 has average corrosion resistance and high fatigue resistance. It compares to the strength of steel due to the high level of zinc in its composition. It is ideal for highly stressed parts such as fuselages.
Benefits of Aluminum for Aerospace Applications
Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and other excellent properties, aluminum has been the preferred metal choice for aerospace projects. The various additional benefits afforded by aluminum includes:
- Highly formable, enabling easy fabrication of small aerospace components
- Durable under highly stressed condition, and pressure and temperature extremes
- Cost-effective compared to other metals due to its lightweight properties.
- High electrical conductivity
Aluminum Products Commonly Used for Aerospace Components
The types of aluminum products frequently used in aerospace parts include aluminum plate, sheet, and bar. Other products include aluminum pipe, tube, and other shapes. The versatility of aluminum alloys in the aerospace industry allows for its use in the construction of less costly and more reliable aircraft.
From now on, when you hear the term aerospace aluminum, remember that some of the key properties of this type of aluminum are its resistance to corrosion, light weight, and strength. These properties are vital for the safety and efficiency of aerospace vehicles.
For information about the aerospace aluminum we offer for aerospace industry applications, call us today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote.
