When it comes to keeping planes safe in the skies and efficient when they fly, aerospace treatments are critical. With so many complex, interacting components, abrasion resistance and durability are key criteria in aircraft parts. With the appropriate surface coating, surface wear and corrosion is prevented, overall wear and tear is reduced, and performance levels are maintained.
Common aerospace surface treatments
One of the most popular treatments is anodising, especially for aluminium parts. It adds a protective oxide layer that keeps corrosion at bay and can even be dyed different colours for identification. Then there’s passivation, which is often used on stainless steel to give it a long-lasting shine while making it more corrosion resistant.
Another notable surface treatment is that of plasma spraying, in which tiny particles are blasted onto a component to create a hard, protective coating. And let’s not forget chemical conversion coatings, which help paint to adhere and boost overall durability.
If you’re curious to see what companies in the metal coatings industry are doing, you may want to review the sites of specialists such as www.poeton.co.uk/about/industries/aerospace-defence for a look at real-world applications.
Latest research by the Royal Aeronautical Society into coatings and surface treatments is helping make planes lighter, safer, and more fuel-efficient than ever.
Why these treatments matter
Without these aerospace surface treatments, planes would face more wear from weather, friction, and general use. Lightweight metals like aluminium and titanium are strong, but they need extra protection to stay in top condition. A well-treated surface isn’t just about appearances.