June 3, 2023 Revolutionizing Aerospace Maintenance

Revolutionizing aerospace maintenance and repair with selective plating technology.

The aerospace industry is a dynamic and innovative field with significant technological advancements over the past few decades. From the development of composite materials to the use of advanced computing systems, it’s constantly evolving to meet the demands of the modern world. Nathan Desselas, General Manager, SIFCO ASC, France, discusses how selective plating technology allows for the precise application of a metal coating onto a specific component area without affecting the rest of the surface and how it transforms the protection of materials in the long run.

The high cost of corrosion protection

Corrosion is a significant concern in aerospace due to the harsh environmental conditions an aircraft will face. Atmospheric moisture, high altitude, and temperature changes are some environmental conditions that can cause corrosion more quickly. The industry constantly faces challenges in the battle against corrosion, as these conditions can cause structural damage, reduce the performance of critical components, and compromise safety. Additionally, the cost of material maintenance and the expense of corrosion mitigation drives up the overall cost of aircraft and spacecraft.

Aerospace structures are often complex and have many different materials, making them difficult to inspect and maintain. This complexity makes detecting and addressing corrosion promptly challenging, leading to potential safety issues. With a highly regulated industry, consistent inspections and maintenance, including corrosion prevention measures, are a necessity. The equipment must be faultless and an indispensable requirement in the aerospace sector. Companies are turning to selective electroplating to ensure optimal performance of corrosion-prone components.

Achieving precision and efficiency in component coating.

Selective plating technology is a process that involves the application of a metal coating onto a specific area of a component. Masking materials are used to cover the areas of the component that do not require plating. The unmasked area is then plated using electroplating. The process is beneficial in the aerospace industry as it can be used to repair or refurbish critical components that are difficult, costly, or impossible to replace. This can include components that are no longer manufactured or components that are too expensive to replace.

One of the significant benefits of selective plating technology is that it can extend the component life of critical parts, reducing maintenance costs and improving the overall reliability of aircraft. The ability to enhance the performance of components by applying a coating that is more resistant to wear and corrosion is also why many industries, including aerospace, are turning to it.

Reducing manufacturing downtime.

The challenge of manufacturing downtime is that it results in a loss of production capacity and revenue, which can have significant implications for a company’s bottom line. The impact of downtime can be particularly severe for businesses that operate in highly competitive markets, such as aerospace, where production delays can result in missed delivery deadlines, lost sales, and dissatisfied customers.

This is why manufacturers must implement robust maintenance procedures, adopt predictive maintenance technologies, and continuously monitor and optimize their production processes to minimize unplanned downtime. This is where selective plating technology can come into its own, helping to repair aircraft components such as landing gear, flap tracks, and engine parts. It can also improve engine performance by applying coatings that are more resistant to wear and corrosion. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, selective plating technology will only continue to be an increasingly important tool in the maintenance and repair of an aircraft.

Electroplating and anodizing through SIFCO ASC’s customized system.

The Advanced Solution Control System (ASCS) by SIFCO ASC is an innovative electroplating technology that boasts cutting-edge dripless tooling. This means that all chemical solutions used in the process are recycled back into the system right at the surface of the workpiece, eliminating the need for catch trays. The dripless tooling also allows for an area of the aircraft to be plated in any orientation – flat, vertical, or above the technician’s head. This, in turn, creates a cleaner and more environmentally friendly working environment while also enhancing safety measures.

Moreover, this portable technology can be taken directly to the part or component that requires electroplating, thus enhancing throughput and productivity. The reduced ergonomic risk also presents significant safety benefits for operators and employees. These advancements have led many technicians and engineers to abandon traditional surface finishing methods and adopt dripless plating.

SIFCO ASC’s turnkey operation can seamlessly integrate into a production line, allowing businesses to eliminate shipping costs and scheduling issues associated with external vendors. Having complete control over the quality of the plated parts, with accurately controlled and consistent deposits and coatings requiring minimal operator involvement. Unlike typical tank plating lines that require large chemical volumes, brush plating technology significantly reduces solution volumes necessary for operation, minimizing environmental and safety concerns within your plant.

To learn more about selective electroplating in the aerospace industry, you can down our free whitepaper here – https://www.sifcoasc.com/aerospace/whitepaper

About SIFCO ASC
SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts (SIFCO ASC) is the global leader in selective plating solutions. A Quaker Houghton company, SIFCO ASC, provides practical, cost-effective particular brush plating solutions to improve part performance and reduce manufacturing costs through corrosion protection, increased wear resistance, increased hardness, improved conductivity, anti-galling, or slip.

SIFCO ASC surface enhancement technologies and brush plating services have been used for over 50 years on OEM components and parts requiring refurbishment in the aerospace, oil and gas, general industry, and power generation sectors. Visit www.sifcoasc.com to find out more.

About Quaker Houghton
Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a robust presence worldwide, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world’s most advanced and specialized steels, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services.

With 4,000 employees, including chemists, engineers, and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently and effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit www.quakerhoughton.com to learn more.

Media Contacts

James Tomlinson, Account Director
Wyatt International
jamest@wyattinternational.com  
+44 121 454 8181

Allison Furlong, Marketing Manager
SIFCO ASC
afurlong@sifcoasc.com  
+1 216 524 0099 ext 120

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