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  1. Choosing the Right Aerospace Component Manufacturers

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    Selecting the right manufacturer for your aerospace components is essential to ensuring quality, safety, and performance. Since 1936, Helander Metal Spinning Company has been at the forefront of precision metal forming, spinning, and fabrication, serving industries with the most demanding requirements. Our decades of experience, skilled workforce, and advanced equipment enable us to deliver highly precise metal components that meet the stringent demands of aerospace and defense applications.

    In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing an aerospace component manufacturer and why Helander is the ideal choice for all your metal fabrication needs.

    The Importance of Quality Aerospace Components

    Metal spinning is a specialized metalworking technique that transforms a metal disc into axially symmetric parts. This process can form complex shapes from a variety of metals, including aluminum, copper, titanium, Inconel, and Monel. Its ability to produce high-quality parts quickly and cost-effectively makes metal spinning an ideal choice for manufacturing aerospace components such as:

    • Antennas: Used for navigation, communication, data transmission, and scientific research, antennas are vital to aerospace operations. Metal spinning ensures these components have the precise shape needed for optimal signal reception and transmission.
    • Engine Parts: Critical engine components like nozzle cones, combustion chambers, and turbine blades require exceptional precision. Metal spinning provides the accuracy needed for these parts to perform reliably under extreme aerospace conditions.
    • Satellite Dishes: The unique shapes of satellite dishes must be manufactured with exacting precision to capture and transmit signals effectively. Metal spinning can produce these dishes with optimal precision to ensure flawless performance.
    • Fuel Tanks: Aerospace fuel tanks must be both strong and lightweight to enhance payload capacity and range. Metal spinning facilitates the production of high-quality fuel tanks that meet these requirements.

    Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aerospace Component Manufacturer

    Selecting the right aerospace component manufacturer is crucial for ensuring the performance and reliability of your aircraft and other critical systems. When evaluating potential partners, consider the following factors:

    • Certifications: Verify that the manufacturer is certified by recognized regulatory bodies. Certifications like AS9100 and ISO 9001 demonstrate a commitment to meeting stringent quality and safety standards.
    • Product Range and Services: Choose a manufacturer that offers a comprehensive selection of products and services to meet your specific needs. A versatile provider can streamline your supply chain and reduce lead times.
    • Precision and Quality: Ensure the manufacturer can consistently deliver the high level of precision and quality required for aerospace components. Look for a proven track record of customer satisfaction and successful project outcomes.
    • Lead Times: In aerospace, timing is critical. Partner with a manufacturer that can meet your deadlines without compromising on quality.
    • Price vs. Value: While cost is always a factor, it’s important not to sacrifice quality for lower prices. Select a manufacturer that offers competitive pricing while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship and reliability.
    • Customer Service: Strong customer support is essential, especially when issues arise during production. Choose a manufacturer that is responsive, communicative, and committed to addressing your concerns promptly.
    • Technical Expertise: Look for a manufacturer that provides technical support and expertise. This can be invaluable in ensuring that your components meet all necessary specifications and function as intended.

    Why Helander is the Right Choice for Aerospace Metal Components

    At Helander Metal Spinning Company, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precision aerospace components that meet the highest standards. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your project, from development to delivery, is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

    • Certifications: We are AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified, guaranteeing that our processes and products adhere to the most rigorous industry standards.
    • Precision Manufacturing: Our advanced metal spinning techniques ensure that your components are crafted with exceptional precision, meeting the critical demands of aerospace applications.
    • Timely Delivery: We understand the importance of deadlines and work tirelessly to ensure your components are delivered on time, every time.
    • Customer-Centric Approach: Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we’re always here to support you, whether it’s through expert technical advice or responsive service.

    When you need precise, reliable metal components for your aerospace or defense applications, trust Helander Metal Spinning Company to deliver. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote. Our team is ready to discuss your project’s unique requirements and help you achieve your goals.

  2. Advantages of Metal Spinning in the Aerospace Industry

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    Parts and products for the aerospace sector require the utmost precision to ensure reliable performance under challenging conditions in mission-critical applications. At Helander Metal Spinning Company, we have over 80 years of experience providing high-quality custom metal spinning, fabrication, and finishing services for diverse commercial and industrial markets, partnering with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. We support clients in the aerospace industry through our commitment to quality and close adherence to customers’ exacting part specifications. Learn more about our metal spinning services and the benefits they can provide for your next aerospace project.

    What Is Metal Spinning?

    Metal spinning is a metalworking technique that manufacturers use to create symmetrical components in a round, conical, or toroidal shape. Unlike subtractive machining, metal spinning uses pressure to transform a flat, circular disc or tube blank into a part with axial symmetry. The process starts with a lathe spinning the blank at high speeds. Then a roller tool that’s set against the blank’s surface, along with a mandrel offering workpiece support, apply sufficient lateral force that the metal blank ultimately takes on the desired shape.

    Metal spinning can be a hot or cold process. Depending on the design intricacy of your part and the required volume for your aerospace project, we can use automated computer numerical control (CNC) machines, hydraulic-assist equipment, or manual hand spinning techniques.

    Advantages of Metal Spinning in the Aerospace Industry

    Also known as spin forming, metal spinning is capable of quickly creating high product volumes without sacrificing quality. These and other advantages make the process a good fit for aerospace organizations, offering:

    • Components With an Optimal Strength-to-Weight Ratio. This industry requires metal aerospace parts that are lightweight enough to provide maximal fuel efficiency while still delivering high structural integrity. This is because air- and spacecraft equipment is regularly exposed to fluctuating temperatures and pressures, weather conditions, turbulence, and more. Metal spinning companies use this production technique to shape metal blanks into thin, light, yet supremely strong parts that can withstand harsh environments and provide reliable operation.
    • Diverse and complex designs. Metal spinning offers you the flexibility to create accurate, custom products like specialty parts or components with unique dimensions or designs. The process is effective for producing anything from engine parts and fuel tanks to housings and shields.
    • Tighter turn times. Automated metal spinning processes are extremely efficient, generating high-quality, uniform parts without making mistakes or needing breaks. As a result, metal spinning can produce high-volume orders within a short period to meet tight aerospace project deadlines.
    • Cost savings in tooling, labor, and materials. Metal spinning utilizes lower-cost tooling, and the incorporation of automation in the process can save you money by increasing throughput while reducing labor costs and material use.
    • Sustainable production. As metal spinning shapes a workpiece without cutting away excess material, there’s much less waste generation than in subtractive manufacturing methods. Your organization can get more use out of every metal order, enhancing material efficiency and sustainability while reducing costs.

    By capitalizing on the benefits of metal spinning, aerospace companies can develop and create high-strength, intricate parts and trim their production budget. Metal spinning allows you to achieve optimal quality and performance in your products while still reducing errors, costs, and turn times to decrease your time to market.

    Partner With Helander Metal Spinning Company for High-Quality Aerospace Solutions

    Versatile metal spinning allows manufacturers to form sizable, quality components with uniformity and precision. Since 1936, Helander has been a one-stop shop for all your metal spinning, fabrication, and finishing needs. Aerospace and defense are two of our core markets, and we can deliver close-tolerance, cost-effective components with tight turnaround times.

    In various metals and material thicknesses, we can produce parts up to 100 inches in diameter, 60 inches high, and holding tolerances of ±0.001 inches. Common components our team creates for these industries include liners, shields, dome deflectors, nozzles, manifolds, housings, and more.

    As an ISO 9001:2015- and AS9100D-certified, ITAR-registered, and NADCAP-accredited business, Helander has the extensive experience, knowledge, and well-equipped facilities to provide optimal solutions for myriad aerospace projects. Contact us to learn more about our aerospace metal fabrication and spinning capabilities, or request a quote today to get started.

  3. What Is Monel?

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    Initially developed for commercial use in 1905, Monel® is a group of copper and nickel alloys valued for their excellent temperature and corrosion resistance. In recent years, this versatile material has become increasingly important to the aerospace and defense industries. This blog will further discuss the benefits and common applications of Monel® so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your project.

    What Is Monel® Metal?

    Monel® is a trademarked type of nickel alloy that contains copper as the main alloying element. In addition to these two metals, Monel® also contains small amounts of aluminum, carbon, iron, manganese, silicon, sulfur, and titanium. The specific alloy’s composition varies depending on its intended application.

    Monel® alloys feature high strength and corrosion resistance in both saltwater and freshwater. They are also resistant to high and low temperatures, making them suitable for use in challenging environments. For these reasons, Monel® is known as a superalloy.

    Some additional noteworthy characteristics of Monel® alloys include:

    • Malleability
    • High resistance to corrosion
    • Stronger than steel
    • Maintains strength in subzero temperatures
    • Low coefficient of thermal expansion
    • High resistance to alkalis
    • Can be brazed, welded, and soldered

    Monel® materials are available in three commercial grades, each with its own distinct features:

    • Monel 400: Used in aerospace, marine engineering, and chemical processing, Monel 400 is a tough grade that is especially good at resisting attacks from strong acids and seawater.
    • Monel R-405: This grade is nearly identical in composition to Monel 400, but R-405 has a higher sulfur content that makes it more machinable.
    • Monel K-500: Monel K-500 has enhanced strength and hardness due to a slightly higher titanium and aluminum content.

    Benefits of Monel®

    Monel® has many characteristics that make it well-suited to highly demanding environments, such as aerospace applications. For example, it can easily withstand the high pressure and heat of combustion chambers. Certain Monel® alloys, such as Monel 400, are even able to retain their strength and shape in temperatures up to 1300 °C.

    Key benefits of Monel® metals include:

    • Corrosion resistant: Monels are highly resistant to corrosion from acids and alkalis, outperforming many other popular corrosion-resistant alloys like stainless steel.
    • Weldability: Easily welded with standard welding techniques.
    • Formability: Formable into a wide range of shapes, including pipes and rods.
    • Temperature resistance: Monel® maintains its strength over a wide range of temperatures, from sub-zero to 480 °C or more.

    Applications of Monel®

    Monel® is used in a wide range of applications, particularly those that require a high degree of corrosion resistance and toughness. Thus, it is often used in chemical processing, hydrocarbon processing, marine engineering, and aerospace equipment, such as:

    • Carburetors
    • Exhaust assemblies and manifolds
    • Heat exchangers
    • Pipes
    • Tubes
    • Holding engine parts in place
    • Frame structures
    • Propeller shafts
    • Gears and chains for landing gear
    • Rivets
    • Wires

    Since Monel® alloys are able to withstand the heat created by high-speed flight, it is regularly used to manufacture aircraft frame structures, rocket components, and rivets. Monel® rivets hold engines, exhaust assemblies, and other aircraft systems in place and are a more durable replacement for corrosion-resistant steel in these applications.

    Monel® Components From Helander

    Monel® alloys are a group of high-performance metal materials uniquely suited to demanding environments. Throughout the aerospace and defense industries, in particular, there are numerous applications that benefit from this material. At Helander, we create custom-fabricated Monel® components developed to ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.

    Beyond just parts, we deliver confidence. Helander Metal Spinning company has a history of successful collaborations with leading aerospace and defense companies. Learn more about how we serve the aerospace and defense industries or request a quote to start your project.

     

  4. Metal Spinning vs. Hydroforming

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    Metal spinning and hydroforming are two of the most utilized industrial processes in manufacturing a wide-range of products from satellite dishes, gas cylinders, lighting hardware,  to musical instruments, and more. Understanding each method and its benefits will help you decide which metal forming technique best suits your application.

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  5. Steel vs. Aluminum

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    Steel and aluminum are two popular metals for producing consumer and commercial metal goods. While both metals can have a shiny, silver appearance, have good forming characteristics, and can resist common forms of damage, the two metals offer very different characteristics and are used in distinct applications.

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  6. The Hydroforming Process: How Does It Work?

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    www.helandermetal.comwp-contentuploadshydroforming-irregular-parts-img-large-1Hydroforming (Sheet Hydroforming) is a specialized deep draw process that uses high-pressure rubber to shape and form metal workpieces. In sheet hydroforming, a metal sheet is placed over a die before highly pressurized water forces it down and makes it conform to the shape of the mold. In tube hydroforming, a preexisting tube is set between two dies, and water pushes the interior of the tube to expand and conform to the new shape. Both processes allow for the seamless forming of new shapes and parts in common metal alloys without welds. Additionally, the hydroforming process is an excellent choice for developing complicated, irregularly-shaped parts or products. At Helander, we specialize in high-quality metal-forming and manufacturing services to create custom parts for a wide range of applications across different industries including Sheet Hydroforming and Metal Spinning. (more…)

  7. Complete Guide to Metal Spinning

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    metal-spinningAlso known as spin forming, metal spinning is a process manufacturers use to craft axially symmetric metal parts without cutting the material. This process is efficient and highly versatile. At Helander, we have spent over 80 years providing superior quality metal spinning services to our customers in the aerospace, commercial, medical, and defense industries.

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  8. Satellite Dishes in the Military & Defense and Aerospace Industry

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    At Helander Metal, we provide metal forming and other fabrication services to customers in the aerospace, defense, and military industries. Armed with over 85 years of experience, highly capable employees, and advanced equipment, we have what it takes to deliver high-quality precision metal parts and products that meet some of the tightest tolerances and timelines. That’s why customers in these critical industries know they can rely on us to produce components for their devices and systems, including satellites.

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  9. Metal Spun High-End Commercial Cookware Components

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    What Is Metal Spinning?

    AdobeStock_309675261Metal spinning, sometimes referred to as spin forming, is a machining technique that creates axially symmetrical parts from metal tubes or discs. This process works by rotating the metal workpiece, forming it to a mandrel. Once clamped to a vertical or horizontal lathe, the force and rotation will shape the workpiece into a cone, tube, toroid, or other rounded shape. 

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  10. Manual Metal Polishing vs. Automatic Metal Polishing Services

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    Metal polishing is a finishing process that uses abrasive materials to improve the surface of precision metal components. Polishing enhances the functional and aesthetic quality of the metallic surface by removing surface imperfections (e.g., scratches and nicks), improving corrosion and oxidation resistance, and/or adding a coarse, satin, fine satin finish.

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