Different Types of Metals Used in the Aerospace Industry

aerospace-industryIn the past, it was thought that there were only a couple of metals that would actually work to create machinery for the aerospace industry, but now, Aerospace engineers have found uses for a number of different types of metals. The Hurlen Corporation is a company that is known in the aerospace industry for providing all kinds of aerospace metals that are needed in the form they are needed, including the main metals listed below.

Aluminum

Usually when people hear aluminum, they immediately think of the thin metal that beverages are packaged into. However, in the aerospace industry, aluminum is a very important type of metal in this industry due to a number of its qualities. The first and most important aspect about this type of metal is its weight. Aluminum also has an increased resistance to things like fatigue and corrosion.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the metals that have been used in the aerospace industry for a long period of time. As a matter of fact, it was a major metal that was used to create the Endeavour, one of NASA’s earliest space shuttles. It is thanks to this space shuttle that a lot of people have realized the importance of stainless steel in the aerospace industry. One of its greatest attributes is its resistance to temperature. This is why it is able to be flown higher and even break through the atmosphere at extreme temperatures when used on vessels like space shuttles.

Titanium/Tungsten

Unlike in the past, titanium has become more popular in the aerospace industry. It has actually become extremely popular in producing flight control support structures and landing gear for planes. Tungsten-carbide coatings have also started replacing the old chrome plating that was previously used in the industry. One of the major reasons behind the use of titanium and tungsten alloys in the aerospace industry is due to their higher strength-to-weight ratios than normal steel. They are also known for being extremely durable, which allows them to be used in a number of different areas within the industry.

Published by Kidal Delonix (1198 Posts)

Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.

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