STRATEGIC OUTSOURCING I THERMAL PROCESSING AND TESTING
solution of carbide particles in the
matrix. This process is most suitable
for spraying metals and carbides; in
particular those containing tungsten
carbide and/or chrome carbide.
However, the range of coatings is
being extended to include metal
and cermet compositions. By
combining the HVOF process with
robots and latest process control
technology, Bodycote can achieve
consistent, reproducible coatings of
the very highest quality with every
component batch.
The company provides its
aerospace customers with nitriding
services from a number of locations
Technology | Electron beam welding and the vacuum furnace line, Derby, UK
in Europe and North America,
using both gas and plasma nitriding has added new fatigue testing equipment at its Lancaster
methods. The Stockport (UK) plant operates an automated gas (UK) laboratory, complementing the existing extensive testing
nitriding furnace with working dimensions of 2.0m diameter capability at this facility.
and 2.5m deep, able to treat loads of up to 6,000kg. Nitriding The state-of-the-art test laboratory is capable of carrying
is the preferred heat treatment when dimensional stability is out both strain controlled and load controlled low cycle
vital and/or the treated component has to retain its properties fatigue testing, as well as a range of fracture mechanics
at high operating temperatures. Bodycote is experienced in procedures. A fully equipped workshop provides high quality
Commercial and military | All current aircraft
programmes benefit from the Bodycote Group’s
applying nitriding to a wide range of steels, from low alloy machined specimens produced from a full range of aero-
services types to hot work tool steels, and operates treatment cycles engine components. This facility complements Bodycote’s
specifically developed for optimum control of case profile and high temperature testing laboratory at Newcastle (UK), and
compound layer (white layer) chemistry. The use of hydrogen its aerospace laboratories in North America and Plzen ^ (Czech
sensors, linked to automated mass flow controllers, ensures Republic).
that the furnace atmosphere is accurately controlled and
reproducible. Hence, the operating performance of nitrided Technical network
components can be relied upon whether they are engine shafts, Through its network of aerospace testing laboratories,
transmission items or landing gear components. Bodycote is able to offer its customers a broad range of
The company’s Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) developments technical competence coupled with a responsive and efficient
in metal matrix composites have applications in airframe testing service. At Bodycote’s European Technical Centre in
assemblies and components. The Group also has state-of-the- Linköping, Sweden, new test equipment and procedures are
art capability in the HIPping of aluminium castings through its developed to offer Bodycote’s clients the leading edge on
proprietary DENSAL processes. The benefits include improved technical quality and to offer high-level materials technology
total cost of support in consultancy and development.
manufacture, speed To ensure customers will continue to receive high quality
of manufacture, standards, flexible working to suit their production demands
weight saving and and world-class expertise to match their engineering
improved material manufacturing requirements, Bodycote says its operates
properties. a policy of continuous improvement in all its services.
To meet the These resources and an extensive global network mean that
increased demands Bodycote is recognised as a viable alternative to in-house
from the aero- operations.
engine component Consequently, major manufacturers are increasingly
manufacturing outsourcing their requirements and concentrating their
market, Bodycote resources upon core business. ❙
Spraying | HVOF coating
Testing Group www.bodycote.com
AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING 41
AM_jul07_p40-41_bodycote.indd 41 29/6/07 11:09:31
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