INDUSTRY:

Aerospace

MFG/METHOD:

Drawing

ALLOY:

Copper

PROBLEM:

This component held chemicals that produce oxygen on demand for emergency air breathing masks on commercial airliners. It had to be totally clean and free of contaminates. Engineers feared that contaminates could compromise the integrity of the chemicals that would be stored inside the container. In addition, the container was designed to be stored for extended periods of time, requiring high corrosion/oxidation resistance.

SOLUTION:

Electropolishing provided an efficient way of cleaning the parts safely for use. It removed the outer layer of metal, along with any contaminants that may have been on the surface from drawing or normal factory handling. The process increased corrosion resistance, and gave the part an extended life. The part met or exceeded all design and testing specifications.