29 Oct How Electroplating Improves Safety in Aviation and Aerospace
One of the most effective ways to enhance the safety, durability, and overall performance of aircraft is by electroplating critical components. Many types of aircraft components have to tolerate extreme temperatures while resisting corrosion and mechanical stress. From improving corrosion resistance to meeting strict industry standards, electroplating offers many benefits for aviation and aerospace applications.
Let’s take a closer look at why electroplating is such a vital process when it comes to improving aviation safety.
How Electroplating Can Improve the Safety of Aircraft Parts
1: Enhanced Corrosion and Wear Resistance
Aircraft are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, extreme temperatures, and corrosive elements like salt water. Over time, these factors will lead to corrosion, pitting, and structural damage.
Electroplating provides a protective layer that prevents corrosion and wear. It extends the lifespan of critical aircraft components, reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement, and improving overall safety.
2: Extended Fatigue Life
Aircraft components must undergo repeated mechanical stress during flight, which can lead to material fatigue and eventual failure. Electroplating strengthens these components by providing a durable, wear-resistant coating that mitigates the effects of mechanical stress and prolongs fatigue life. It helps ensure that the aircraft can handle prolonged use without compromising safety.
3: Improved Electrical Conductivity
Electrical components must maintain reliable conductivity in order for the aircraft to function safely. Electroplating enhances conductivity by ensuring strong electrical connections and reducing the risk of system failures, even in harsh operating conditions.
4: Reduced Friction
High friction between the moving parts of an aircraft can lead to increased wear, heat generation, and eventually mechanical failure. Electroplating combats this effect by providing a low-friction surface that promotes smooth operation and extends the lifespan of critical components. It reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure, improving both safety and performance.
5: Improved Chemical Resistance
Aircraft components must also endure frequent exposure to harsh chemicals such as fuel, de-icing agents, and hydraulic fluids. These chemicals can degrade unprotected materials, gradually leading to corrosion. Electroplating adds a layer of protection that increases the chemical resistance of aircraft components. It helps ensure that critical parts remain strong and reliable, even when exposed to corrosive substances.
6: Compliance with Stringent Safety Standards
Electroplating processes for aircraft also need to comply with industry-specific regulations, such as those set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These standards ensure that all parts meet the highest safety and performance requirements, so they are guaranteed to be safe and reliable during flight.
What Are the Best Electroplating Metals for Aircraft?
- Nickel electroplating is commonly used to protect parts like landing gear and turbine blades from rust and degradation.
- Cadmium plating is a popular choice for protecting fasteners and connectors, because it prevents galvanic corrosion.
- Hard chrome plating is ideal for components that must withstand high mechanical loads and high friction, such as hydraulic systems. This coating creates a hard, wear-resistant surface that minimizes friction, increases durability, and prevents mechanical failure.
- Electroless nickel plating is ideal for parts with complex geometry because it creates a uniform coating that improves structural integrity. It extends fatigue life by reducing surface imperfections that may lead to cracking.
- Composite Coatings such as nickel-PTFE provide excellent lubricity, reducing friction in moving parts and improving wear resistance at the same time.
Aerospace and Aviation Plating Services in Phoenix
Electroplating helps improve aviation safety, protecting the aircraft as well as the passengers. If you’re interested in using electroplating to enhance the safety and durability of your aircraft components, you should consult the experts at CRC Surface Technologies.
We can provide over 33 different metal finishing services, customized for your specific aerospace or aviation applications. As a NADCAP-certified and ITAR-registered company, we are dedicated to providing safe and reliable metal finishing services. We also perform non-destructive testing (NDT) to inspect electroplated parts for any defects or inconsistencies in the coating.
We’ll ensure that your parts meet and exceed the aerospace and aviation safety standards. Give us a call at 602-253-4175 to learn more, or send a message to rfq@chemresearchco.com to request a quote.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/29/2024). Photo by Daniel De Ciantis on Unsplash