Navigating the Future of Aerospace Landing Gear Coatings

Two decades of little change

With two decades of experience in the aerospace industry, primarily focusing on thermal carbide-based coatings for landing gear, I have witnessed numerous innovations and challenges in this sector. One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the European Union’s REACh initiative.  In this blog post, we will explore how Hybrid HVAF coatings can provide a cost-efficient alternative for aerospace landing gear, addressing the challenges posed by REACh and the changing landscape of the industry.

The REACH Initiative and Its Implications

In 2007, the European Union introduced the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACh) initiative. One of its primary objectives is to phase out the use of certain hazardous chemicals, including chromium, which is widely employed in the chrome plating process. The aerospace industry, which relies heavily on chrome plating for landing gear components, has faced the prospect of significant disruptions due to these regulatory changes.

Eastern Canada: A Hub for Landing Gear Manufacturers

Eastern Canada has long been a critical hub for the aerospace industry.  Major landing gear manufacturers Collins Aerospace and Heroux-Devtek are based in this region. These companies play a vital role in the global manufacturing and assembly of commercial, business, and military landing gears. As the REACh initiative extends its influence, the region’s aerospace giants face a pressing need to adapt and find alternatives to traditional chrome plating.

The Chrome Plating Challenge

Hexavalent chromium is a key component of the chrome plating process, offering corrosion resistance, enhanced durability, and a sleek appearance. Landing gear components are subject to extreme conditions, and the robust protection provided by chrome plating has been a staple in the industry for decades. The pending elimination of chromium poses a unique challenge for aerospace landing gear OEMs and Europe-based Material Repair & Overhaul (MRO) landing gear facilities.

Hybrid HVAF: A Cost-Effective Solution

As the deadline for eliminating chromium-based plating approaches, the aerospace industry is actively exploring alternative solutions. Among these, HVAF coatings have emerged as a promising, cost-efficient option. HVAF is a coating process that uses a combination of high-pressure air and fuel to create a supersonic jet that accelerates particles onto a metal substrate.

Benefits of Hybrid HVAF Coatings
  1. Environmentally Friendly: One of the key advantages of HVAF coatings is their compliance with REACH regulations. HVAF coatings do not rely on hazardous chemicals, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
  2. Improved Corrosion Resistance: Landing gear components are constantly exposed to harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and saltwater. HVAF coatings offer excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring the longevity and reliability of these critical components.
  3. Enhanced Durability: HVAF coatings provide a robust protective layer that can withstand the demanding conditions of aerospace applications. This increased durability translates into reduced maintenance and replacement costs.
  4. Cost Efficiency: HVAF coatings are not only compliant with regulatory changes but also cost-effective. These coatings offer a competitive advantage, as they reduce the financial burden on landing gear OEMs and MRO facilities.
  5. Versatility: HVAF coatings can be tailored to meet specific requirements, including surface finish and thickness.
Preparing for the Future

The REACh deadline for the aerospace industry has prompted a shift towards innovative and sustainable coating solutions. HVAF coatings, with their numerous benefits, present an opportunity for landing gear manufacturers to adapt to these changes seamlessly. By embracing HVAF technology, the industry can continue to provide safe, reliable, and cost-efficient landing gear solutions while meeting the environmental and regulatory demands of the future.

Conclusion

The journey toward sustainability and compliance with the REACh initiative is a significant challenge.  The journey also offers opportunities for innovation and growth. HVAF coatings provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chrome plating.   The  time is now for landing gear OEMs and MROs to explore the benefits of HVAF coatings.  HVAF coatings will provide a more efficient and sustainable future in aerospace manufacturing. Canada continues to play a role in the global landing gear industry, adopting HVAF technology could be a game-changer for the region’s aerospace leaders.

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