Is aluminium a suitable material for building aircraft?

We supply a selection of top quality metals and can arrange services to process them into various products. Our inventory includes the likes of aluminium alloy grade 6026 round bar and much more. As a result, you can work with us to get exactly what you need for a huge array of end uses.

Safety requires a well-built aircraft

Many people forget a key thing about safety with air travel. It begins with a solidly built aircraft. The finest components made from the highest quality raw materials will ensure the airworthiness of the craft. Thus, it is vital to evaluate what raw materials you must use. You need to do this to ensure the performance and reliability.

For many years, aluminium alloys have stood as the aerospace industry’s best materials. Experts claim that the metal is perfect for creating various components and parts. This is because it has strong corrosion resistance and ease of machinability. It is lightweight too. Readily available, people choose the alloys to generate the fuselage of various planes.

Another metal, stainless steel, has also made its way into the industry. This has led to people questioning which of the two is superior. Both are fine raw substances for many applications, but there are some differences to look at.

What we are going to do is look more deeply at aluminium specifically. We will go over its use and where it excels over steel. Then, if you want aluminium alloy grade 6026 round bar or other alloys, you can ask us.

A long history in the industry

Aluminium has been the chosen substance for engine parts and other components for a very long time. This has been the case since the Wright Brothers initially built the first powered aircraft in 1903. Even during World War II, its use flourished. It even got to the point where the government had to demand that civilians donate scrap for the war effort.

Technological improvements made aircraft more complex over the years. Yet, aluminium was still the dominant metal in the aerospace industry. It has fantastic versatility and metalworking operations make it possible to create rods, round bars, fasteners, and other integral parts.

Machinability

One area where aluminium excels is with the ease of machinability. Generally speaking, it is easier to machine than steel. That is crucial, especially when you consider how complex some of the parts can be. Its malleability and capacity to be pushed to extreme dimensional limits makes it a good option too.

However, there is the case of more accurately separating the two metals. This is in relation to how difficult it is to put them through many metalworking operations. It is essential for you be specific here with the steel alloy you are comparing aluminium with. Stainless steel has similar levels of ease of machinability. Both possess decent weldability and formability.

Weight

Another area where aluminium comes out shining is with weight. It is a well known fact that it has an advantage over various metals as it is lightweight.

According to professional studies, steel is a harder metal. Due to this, it is denser and heavier in comparisons. Such density and strength correlates to the amount of chromium in the alloy. However, steel’s density is the prime reason why its extensive use in this industry is impeded.

Ask us if you need aluminium alloy grade 6026 round bar

At Brindley Metals, we have gained a reputation for being a reliable supplier and a source of professional services. The latter can include a number of machining operations, such as grinding, anodising, heat treatment, and polishing. The approach we have to all aspects of our business is an efficient, fast, and friendly one.

So, if you require aluminium alloy grade 6026 round bar products, please give us a call. We can tell you about the size options and help you choose the right one for your application.

Leave a Comment