Tech Notes

Better Peening Shouldn’t Be a Shot in the Dark
Almost any pilot will tell you that when it comes to airplane parts like wings or engine blades, failure is unacceptable. That’s why more aerospace companies have sought to reduce the possibility of metal fatigue in such critical parts, and why some manufacturers of those pieces use a technique called shot peening.

Feature Articles

New Uses For Anodized Aluminum Oxide
Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) has attracted significant interest among the nano-science and engineering research community in recent years. AAO consists of highly aligned nanopores “self-assembled” in a hexagonally close-packed pattern.

Overview: Aerospace Anodize Finishes
The following anodizing process overviews are provided as a means of introduction to aerospace anodizing

Becoming an Approved Aerospace Anodize Supplier
Fabrication of aerospace structure requires rigorous standards due to the high cost of rework and the severe consequences of in-flight failure. To become a supplier for aerospace anodize, an approval process which is not readily understood must be followed.

Anodizing: How to Avoid “Greenwashing” Your Product
Product manufacturers naturally want to say good things about their product. Current marketing trends emphasize environmentally beneficial attributes of a product, not just to identify the manufacturer as a good corporate citizen, but also as an inducement for the consumer to purchase the product.

Designing for Opportunity: The Aluminum Advantage
Many industries that require innovative solutions in cost reduction and weight savings are turning to aluminum as a substitute for stainless steel and other carbon steel alloys for parts and components.

Improving Aerospace Engines with Advanced Materials
Advanced ceramics and high performance superalloys are playing an important role in improving aerospace engines as aerospace manufacturers look for high-temperature materials that increase performance, improve fuel efficiency and satisfy safety standards, while at the same time lowering manufacturing costs.