Aerospace Electroplating
Importance of Aerospace Electroplating
Reliability is paramount in aerospace manufacturing, where component failure can have severe consequences. Electroplating and electroless plating are essential processes that enhance the performance and longevity of aerospace parts, offering:
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Enhanced corrosion protection
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Increased substrate strength
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Improved high-temperature resistance
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Extended component lifespan
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Enhanced electrical conductivity
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Improved oxidation resistance
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Added aesthetic appeal
Electroplating on Titanium
Titanium, valued for its lightweight, high strength, and low density, is widely used in aerospace components. However, its reactive nature forms an oxide film, making plating challenging. Titan Plating employs advanced techniques to apply nickel coatings, enabling strong adhesion of other metals to titanium surfaces for enhanced durability and performance.
Corrosion Protection
Aerospace components face significant atmospheric corrosion risks, which can compromise structural integrity. Our zinc-nickel electroplating provides a sacrificial coating that absorbs corrosion, protecting substrates like titanium, aluminium, steel, and magnesium. This process ensures robust defence against environmental damage. For specific applications, cadmium electroplating offers additional corrosion resistance for components like engines, landing gear, and bolts, though its use is carefully managed due to environmental considerations.
Pre-Brazing Electroplating
Brazing, used to join metal surfaces in aerospace manufacturing, requires pre-brazing to ensure proper wetting. Our nickel electroplating process delivers consistent, high-quality results for components like turbine blades, frames, stators, and vanes, supporting efficient production.
Refurbishment
Titan Plating’s electroplating services support component refurbishment, using nickel or electroless nickel coatings to restore dimensions on internal or external surfaces, extending the lifespan of aerospace parts.
Anodising
Anodising increases the oxide layer thickness on substrates, enhancing corrosion and wear resistance, surface hardness, and aesthetic appeal. Applications include protective coatings for engine parts, landing gear, airframes, and actuators. Our anodising processes include:
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Chromic Anodising: Creates a thin, non-conductive oxide film, ideal for high-stress components like landing gear.
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Aluminium Anodising: Uses sulfuric acid for a thicker oxide film, available in clear or coloured finishes (e.g., black, green, red, gold, blue).
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Hard Coat Anodising: Produces a durable, hard oxide coating with excellent lubricity, ranging from light to dark grey or dyed black.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless nickel plating delivers uniform coatings via chemical reaction, ideal for complex surfaces. Titan Plating offers:
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High Phosphorus (10-13%): Superior corrosion protection in acidic environments.
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Medium Phosphorus (5-9%): Prioritises aesthetic appearance.
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Low Phosphorus (<5%): Enhances hardness and solderability, ideal for alkaline environments.
Applications include engine mounts, shafts, pistons, valves, and compressor blades. Our black electroless nickel coating provides light and energy absorption, offering a durable alternative to traditional darkening methods while maintaining performance in harsh conditions.
Wet Blasting
Wet blasting, using high-pressure abrasive media and liquid, prepares surfaces for electroplating by removing paint, grease, and debris. Ideal for turbine discs, blades, and other precision components, it allows adjustable parameters for delicate or aggressive cleaning, ensuring component integrity.
Passivation
Passivation removes iron and iron ores from stainless steel surfaces through chemical dissolution, slowing corrosion and combining cleaning with protection for aerospace components.
Chemical Film
Chemical film coatings, formed through reactions with aluminium or its alloys, enhance corrosion protection and paint adhesion. Available in clear or coloured finishes (e.g., brown or gold), they support a range of aerospace applications.
Titan Plating’s Aerospace Expertise
Titan Plating delivers fast-turnaround electroplating solutions, specialising in titanium plating and innovative electroless nickel coatings. Our processes ensure precision and quality for aerospace applications, from prototypes to production runs, across industries like general aviation, rotorcraft, and unmanned aircraft systems.
Get in touch with Titan Plating
Whether you need expert advice or a custom quote, our team is here to help. Reach out today to discuss your project.