Choose to Work with an Aerospace Manufacturer that Can Manage Finishing Processes
Most aerospace manufacturer relies on a range of finishing processes to prepare various parts. While many basic processes, such as deburring or powder coating, are commonly performed, many require specialized skills and equipment, leading many companies to rely on multiple subcontractors. These companies provide essential support services that alter the mechanical properties and protect them against the extreme conditions in which they operate.
While the exact processes a part requires may vary widely, some common ones include:
- Annealing – This heat-treating process relieves internal stresses, resulting in parts that are less prone to warping. An aerospace manufacturer may need to have a part annealed after roughing to ensure stability in high-precision finishing cuts.
- Anodizing – Anodizing is an electrolytic process that rapidly develops an oxidation layer that protects parts against corrosion. It also provide a porous surface that can readily accept dyes and paints.
- Heat hardening – Through heating and then rapidly cooling, the exterior of parts can be hardened to increase their wearing properties.
- Dry film lubrication – Dry lubricant films, made from molybdenum, boron, and tungsten solutions, allow movable interaction in oxidizing environments and temperatures that would quickly vaporize liquid lubricants. These coatings are often of paramount concern for any aerospace manufacturer that deals with fuel systems.
- Electrostatic coating – Also known as power coating, this process results in an even distribution that helps maintain tolerances better that standard painting.
Intrex Aerospace assists clients needing these processes by providing comprehensive parts program management solutions including not only manufacturing processes but also finishing. We have a team that is highly experienced in managing logistics among NADCAP sources for a wide range of finishing processes. Thanks to our advanced ERP/MRP tools, we can reliably forecast demand and proactively coordinate with subcontractors to ensure every stage of production is completed on schedule. We also have in-house quality control and quality assurance capabilities, allowing us to handle FAIs and other processes not generally provided by a contract aerospace manufacturer.
To learn more about the various processes we can manage as your contract aerospace manufacturer, contact us today.
