T.I. | Specialty Metals for Aerospace Industry
We provide high performance specialty metals for critical applications in the aerospace market including commercial airframes, engines, internal and external systems, military and defense, rotary wings, space, and many other applications. 91proÊÓƵ has achieved a wide range of OEM and subcontractor approvals, supports a strong portfolio of service provider LTA’s, and maintains ISO 9001:2015, AS9100 Revision D and is DOD registered. T.I. Aerospace provides global service center inventories at competitive prices, guaranteed quality and the best delivery available to all levels of the aerospace supply chain. We are a privately held business with a long-term growth plan and a quick decision making process. T.I. stands ready to partner with you and to support aerospace programs around the world.
Structural airframe applications include wing structures, landing gear components, critical fasteners, springs, and hydraulic tubing. Titanium is selected in this application due to its basic characteristics; specifically its strength to weight ratio.
The use of Titanium in airframes has continuedÌý to grow since the 1960’s where it had it’s beginnings in military programs and ultimately Ìýmoved into commercial aircraft. Titanium alloys effectively compete with Aluminum, Nickel and ferrous alloys in both commercial and military airframes.
Applications run the gamut of airframe structural members; from massive highly stressed, forged wing structures, and landing gear components, to small critical fasteners, springs and hydraulic tubing.
As new Titanium products, alloys and manufacturing methods are employed by the aircraft industry, the use of titanium will expand in this application.
The selection of titanium in this application is a result of the specific properties associated with the metal including:
- strength to weight ratio
- reliability
- corrosion resistance
- mechanical properties
- thermal expansion
- location on the galvanic series
Products used in this airframe applications include: |
Titanium can be found in both military and commercial helicopters. The design criteria for titanium in this application include titanium’s reliability of service, as well as Titanium’s strength to weight ratio. Titanium has been designed into every major helicopter program, whether it be commercial or military.
Products used in this airframe applications include: |
Aerospace Systems
Products used in this airframe applications include: |
Aircraft Engines
Today, the largest single application of Titanium is its use in gas turbine aircraft engines.
Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio, excellent high temperature characteristics and corrosion resistance naturally lend this metal to aircraft engine applications. Titanium is most commonly the material of choice for engine parts that operate up to 1100 degrees F (593 degrees C).
Titanium-based alloys make up 20-30% of the dry weight of an engine primarily in the compressor. Specific Titanium components designed in an engine include blades, disc, hubs, inlet guide vanes and cases.
Distribution does not offer material for rotating engine parts such as discs and blades.
Products used in this airframe applications include: |
Military Applications
The US Department of Defense early on recognized Titanium as a material that would satisfy the requirements necessary for aircraft applications. Use of Titanium in military applications began in the 1950’s when titanium was first designed into the Douglas X-3 Stiletto.
In it’s infancy, Titanium accounted for approximately 9% of the weight of a military aircraft, the Phantom F-4 specifically. As the Titanium industry has evolved and the benefits of Titanium’s material characteristics were successfully tested over time, Titanium represented a higher percentage of the weight of a military aircraft. The F-22 aircraft was comprised of more that 39% Titanium. The aircraft program that utilized the highest percentage of Titanium, although no longer in production, was the SR-71 which was 90% Titanium.
Products used in this airframe applications include: |
Space Structure Applications
The characteristics of Titanium recognized by the Aerospace industry for the application of Titanium, are the same reasons Titanium has been used in military and space applications. Selection of Titanium in space structures is based on strength, weight, and reliability, temperature resistance and high temperature endurance.
Titanium was used extensively in the early Mercury and Apollo programs and continues to be designed into manned spacecraft, solid rocket booster cases, guidance control pressure vessels and currently the space station is an end use for Titanium.
Products used in this airframe applications include: |
To gain further insights into 91proÊÓƵ and the diverse markets we cater to with our specialty metals, we invite you to explore our range of other markets:
Additive Manufacturing Build Plates
Aerospace
Industrial
Medical
Defense
Engineered Fastener Alloys
Consumer Products
Interconnect
Follow us on Social Media:
ÌýÌýÌý