The aerospace and defense industry has long relied on advanced materials and cutting-edge technology to bolster aircraft performance, safety, and efficiency. Among these materials, aluminum stands out as a preferred choice for aerospace parts. Roberson Machine Company is your go-to aluminum aerospace machining expert, with more than 20 years of experience providing top-quality parts to industry-leading partners across the country.
If you’re looking for the best in aluminum aerospace parts, call our specialists today at 573-646-3996 or contact us online for a quote. Here, we’ll explore the key reasons behind aluminum’s prominence in the aerospace sector.
Why You Should Use Aluminum for Your Aerospace Parts at Roberson Machine Company
Aluminum has been used in the aerospace and defense industry ever since the Wright brothers built the first powered aircraft in 1903. While original airplane structures were made of wood, engine crankcases were built from aluminum. It has proven highly versatile throughout history and continues to do so today, lowering costs of aircraft manufacturing yet upholding stringent safety standards required in the industry.
NASA frequently employs aluminum, as in its Orion spacecraft, which constructed primarily of aluminum-lithium alloy, and has even developed its own alloy – NASA-427.
Boeing’s 737, one of the world’s most popular airplanes, is nearly 80 percent aluminum with various alloys being used for different parts. Our machine shop has experience using virtually every type of aluminum for aerospace parts. Give us a call today for more information at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online to get a free quote.
Top Reasons Why Aluminum is Used in Aerospace Parts at Roberson Machine Company
Aluminum CNC machining at Roberson Machine Company has truly redefined the standards of precision and efficiency in manufacturing your parts. Here are some of the top reasons our customers turn to us for aerospace and defense parts:
Aluminum’s Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio
One of the most significant advantages of aluminum is its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This is crucial in aerospace and defense applications where every ounce matters. Roberson Machine Company parts made with aluminum alloys provide the necessary strength to withstand the stresses and forces encountered during flight while keeping the aircraft’s overall weight down. This translates to better performance due to increased fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
Versatility and Machinability of Aluminum
Aluminum’s versatility and ease of machining make it an ideal material for manufacturing complex aerospace parts. We shape, weld, and machine aluminum alloys into intricate designs, allowing for the production of components with precise dimensions and tight tolerances. This is particularly beneficial for your parts for airframes, engines, and avionics housings.
Aluminum’s Thermal Conductivity
Thermal management is a vital aspect of the aerospace and defense sector. Aluminum’s high thermal conductivity permits efficient heat dissipation, which is critical for managing the thermal loads generated by aircraft. Utilizing aluminum on your aerospace parts allows the components to operate safely and efficiently.
Aluminum’s Recyclability
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the aerospace and defense industry. Aluminum is highly recyclable, with 75 percent of all aluminum produced still being used today. Recycling aluminum requires only a fraction of the energy needed to manufacture new aluminum, making it an environmentally friendly option. At Roberson Machine Company, we make every effort possible to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Aircraft and other aerospace and defense products are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, salt, and varying temperatures. Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer on its surface, essentially what we do when anodizing materials, making it highly resistant to corrosion. This inherent corrosion resistance makes your aerospace parts last longer, contributing to the structural integrity of the aircraft or other machine.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Aluminum
Roberson Machine Company makes aluminum a cost effective option for aerospace parts, despite advanced materials like titanium and carbon fiber composites being increasingly requested. Aluminum alloys are a practical choice for many of your aerospace parts because of their relatively low cost, strength, weight reduction, and resistance to corrosion.
Why is Aluminum the Popular Choice for Aerospace Parts? | Roberson Machine Company
As the aerospace and defense sector continues to evolve and push the boundaries of technology, aluminum will likely remain a frontrunner in the manufacturing of top-quality parts. Our team of experts at Roberson Machine Company can help you leverage the benefits of aluminum for your next aerospace parts endeavor.
For more information on how our aluminum aerospace parts can enhance your project, or for a free quote on precision-machined components or machining solutions, call us right now at 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
