Casting processes

There are many commercial processes to produce castings for processing into aircraft components. Casting processes are usually classified into two broad groups distinguished by the mould type: reuseable casting moulds and single-use casting moulds. This section briefly describes the processes commonly used for casting metals for aircraft structures and engines. The processes are permanent mould… Continue reading Casting processes

Casting of metal alloys

Shape and ingot castings Casting is the operation of pouring molten metal into a mould and allowing it to solidify. The pouring temperature is usually 50–180 °C above the melting point of the metal alloy. There are two broad classes of casting operations known as shape casting and ingot casting. Shape casting involves pouring the liquid… Continue reading Casting of metal alloys

Production of metal alloys

Addition of alloying elements to metal Metals are not used in aerospace applications in their pure (unalloyed) condition. Pure metals are too soft to use in aircraft structures and engines, and must be alloyed with other elements to produce high-strength materials. For instance, the addition of a few percent of copper to aluminium increases the… Continue reading Production of metal alloys

Introduction

There are many stages in the manufacture of aircraft structures and engine components using metals, and it begins with the production and casting of the metal alloy. The mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and many other properties that influence the selection and performance of metals in aircraft are determined by their method of production and casting.… Continue reading Introduction