Aerospace Materials
thyssenkrupp Materials UK is a leading supplier and stockholder in the aerospace industry, providing aircraft grade and defence grade metals. We are market leaders in the supply of aircraft high performance metal alloys and super alloys to leading aircraft manufacturers and their subcontractors.
Our range of aerospace metals is used in the making of aero-engine and airframe parts. We are ISO9001 and AS9120 certified, with various vendor approvals for our excellent work in providing quality aerospace materials that include:
Aluminium Alloys
Aluminium has been part of the aerospace industry, dating as far back as the 19th century. Although it’s composition by weight in airplanes has decreased over the years, it’s unique qualities of lightweight and strength have seen it remain a crucial material in the making of various airplane parts like engine components and parts of the airframe work.
| 2014 | This aluminium alloy consists of iron, copper, chromium, magnesium and several other elements. Known for its toughness, this aluminium alloy is suitable for arc and resistance welding. |
| 2024 | It is a widely used alloy that consists of copper silicon, iron, aluminium and other elements. This high-grade alloy exhibits superb fatigue resistance and we often supply it in sheets. Its high tensile strength makes AA2024 an ideal metal in making the fuselage and wings. |
| 5052 | Aluminium alloy 5052 has the highest strength of the non-heat treatable grades. It is also highly ductile and corrosion resistance. 5052 is formed into various shapes to make various structural components in an airplane. |
| 6061 | Aluminium alloy 6061 is the heart and soul of small and light aircrafts and features on the fuselage and the wing skins. It is easily weldable and manipulated but fairly strong. |
| 7050 | With high corrosion resistance and high resistance to fractures, this alloy is used to make the fuselage and wing skins of military aircraft. It is capable of withstanding the conditions, these planes are subjected to. We also supply grade 7068 aluminium alloy also known as the strongest alloy to date. |
At thyssenkrupp Materials UK, we aim to stock for all aerospace metal applications - both common and rare. Some of the less common aluminium alloys we supply include:
| 6063 | Aluminium 6063 has an excellent aesthetic finish, which is why it is used in architectural aerospace applications. |
| 7475 | This aluminium alloy features in the fuselage bulkheads of the larger aircraft because of its incredible strength and high resistance to fracture and fatigue. |
Features of Aerospace Grade Aluminium
High strength to weight ratio
Aerospace grade aluminium alloys are strong and lightweight. Both desirable qualities for machining aerospace parts used in high-performance applications such as those found in aerospace and automotive industry.
Corrosion resistance
Multiple aerospace grade aluminium alloys have excellent corrosion resistance. However, the degree of corrosion resistance might vary depending on the alloy, but most have commendable corrosion resistance for longer service life and while maintaining their surface finish.
Electrical conductivity
Aluminium in general exhibits greater electrical conductivity than other materials like stainless steel this makes machined aluminium parts more suitable as electrical and electronic components.
Surface finish
In many aerospace applications where the component is visible, aesthetic appeal is crucial. Aluminium readily accommodates various surface treatments and finishing processes including anodization, tinting and painting which allows manufacturers to improve the function and aesthetic properties of the machined aluminium part or product.
For applications that require extra strong aluminium alloys, we can cold work some of the materials to enhance their strength profile.
Titanium
Our line of titanium alloys is part of the heat-resistant super alloys. This range of alloys can resist extremely high temperatures, corrosion and constant wear. They also have excellent magnetic properties. Aside from being excellent electricity conductors, these titanium alloys are some of the toughest materials available.
| Titanium Aluminide | Commonly used in airplane engines, titanium aluminide has the potential to improve thrust-to-weight ratio because of its lightweight nature. It is capable of maintaining its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance properties in temperatures of up to 6000C. |
| Ti 5553 | This is a relatively new addition to our line of aerospace metals. It is an alloy of titanium, aluminium, chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. Its high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and lightweight nature are among the features that make it perfect for various structural components in an airplane. |
