Industry Moves to Safer PVD Coatings in Aerospace

The aerospace industry is finding safer ways to coat aircraft parts. Companies are turning to PVD coatings to replace hard chrome. Hard chrome contains hexavalent chromium. Which can be dangerous to workers and harmful to the environment.

Airbus is now using carbon based PVD coatings on copper alloys. These coatings were already approved for steel, titanium and Inconel. PVD coatings are safer and more environmentally friendly than hard chrome. They also help parts last longer and reduce maintenance costs.

Replacing hard chrome is not easy. Hard chrome is used on many parts because it is very hard, resists corrosion, reduces friction and lasts a long time. Parts like landing gears, engine mounts, air frames and other moving components often rely on hard chrome to perform safely under stress.

Each part must be carefully reviewed before choosing a replacement coating. Engineers need to study wear, lubrication and the environmental conditions each part faces. They must make sure the new coating works as well as hard chrome in real life situations.

The industry also faces strict safety and environmental regulations. Hexavalent chromium is closely monitored in the US by OSHA and in Europe under REACH. Using PVD coatings helps companies follow these rules and reduce risks for workers.

The aerospace industry hopes PVD coatings can keep aircraft safe while protecting workers and the environment. Moving to safer coatings is a big challenge but it is an important step for the future of aviation and technology.