Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies (CWST) provides advanced surface treatments designed to enhance the performance, durability, and efficiency of components used in the transportation industry. With a legacy of engineering innovation and expertise, CWST’s solutions address critical challenges in automotive, aerospace, rail, and heavy transport applications.
Enhancing Durability and Performance
Aerospace components operate under demanding conditions, facing wear, fatigue, corrosion, and environmental stresses. CWST’s surface treatments are engineered to mitigate these challenges, extending the service life of parts and improving reliability. These technologies include shot peening, laser peening, thermal spray coatings, conformal coatings and engineered coatings, each tailored to meet specific operational requirements.
Shot Peening is a widely adopted process in the aerospace sector. It involves bombarding the surface of a material with small spherical media to induce beneficial compressive residual stresses. This treatment enhances fatigue resistance and reduces the likelihood of stress-corrosion cracking in components such as suspension springs, gear shafts, and turbine blades. Automotive manufacturers, for instance, rely on shot peening to ensure the longevity and resilience of drivetrain and chassis components.
Laser Peening, a more advanced process, uses high-energy laser pulses to create deeper compressive stresses compared to traditional shot peening. This treatment is particularly effective for critical components like jet engine fan blades and high-performance automotive parts, ensuring they can withstand extreme operational stresses.
Reducing Wear and Friction
In manufacture of critical parts and materials, reducing wear and friction is crucial for improving efficiency and minimizing maintenance costs. CWST’s thermal spray coatings and Keronite PEO processes provide a robust solution by producing a protective layer for surfaces prone to wear. These coatings are used on components such as brake discs, cylinder bores, and engine parts, reducing friction and protecting against wear caused by high temperatures and mechanical stresses. The result is improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Additionally, CWST offers Everlube® Dry film lubricants and engineered coatings that optimize the friction characteristics of moving parts. These treatments are particularly valuable wear oils and greases cannot be used.
Corrosion Protection
Corrosion is a significant challenge in the manufacturing industry, particularly in marine and rail environments where components are exposed to salt, moisture, and harsh chemicals. CWST’s Everlube® corrosion-resistant coatings protect surfaces from friction and degradation. By creating a barrier against corrosive elements, these treatments reduce maintenance requirements and extend the service life of components.
Lightweighting Solutions
The aerospace industry is increasingly focused on lightweighting to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. CWST supports these initiatives by offering treatments that allow for the use of lightweight materials like aluminium, magnesium and titanium without compromising performance. For example, the application of Keronite PEO (Plasma electrolytic oxidation) provides an ultra-hard coating layer allowing lightweight materials to perform well beyond their normal operating parameters.
Environmental and Cost Benefits
By enhancing the durability and efficiency of components, CWST’s surface treatments contribute to sustainability efforts within the aerospace sector. Longer-lasting components mean fewer replacements, reduced waste, and lower operational costs. These benefits align with the industry’s goals of achieving greener and more efficient transportation systems.
For more information on Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies and all the material treatments discussed visit www.cwst.co.uk or call 01635 279621 or email an enquiry to eurosales@cwst.com
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
