How Goodfellow’s precision alloys drove innovation in advanced aerospace applications

How Goodfellow’s precision alloys drove innovation in advanced aerospace applications
16 January 2025
How Goodfellow’s precision alloys drove innovation in advanced aerospace applications

CASE STUDY: How Goodfellow’s precise composition alloys drove innovation in advanced aerospace applications

About the Customer

The client is a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in satellite and engine technology for both commercial and military applications. As part of a global high-tech group, the company drives innovation in the industry with a focus on creating quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engines and advancing environmental goals. The customer turned to Goodfellow for our expertise in providing precise composition alloys for advanced aerospace applications.

The Challenge

The project posed several challenges.   

  • The composition of the alloys was critical to the success of the project, as even a 0.001% deviation could jeopardize the entire endeavor.   
  • The alloys had to exhibit properties like corrosion resistance, environmental durability, and high-performance resistance to extreme space conditions.   
  • Material accuracy was essential from the outset to prevent costly errors and revisions.   
  • The demand for lighter materials, driven by the aerospace sector’s focus on fuel efficiency, added complexity.   
  • Packaging and handling required careful attention to ensure the materials arrived undamaged and with all required documentation.

The Solution

Goodfellow’s sales, purchasing, and quality control teams invested considerable time and effort to understand and provide materials that met these rigorous standards.

How we helped: 

  • Close Collaboration: 

    Goodfellow worked closely with the client over several years to enhance the quality and compliance of the materials.

  • Enforcing Rigorous Standards: 

    We ensured that our suppliers adhered to strict standards for sourcing bespoke and alternative alloys.

  • Comprehensive Material Testing & Quality Control: 

    We conducted rigorous testing, including sound and density analyses, to ensure materials met precise weight and density specifications.

The Results

Throughout the project, Goodfellow provided low  to medium-quantity specialized alloys, including tungsten, molybdenum, TZM (molybdenum-titanium-zirconium), tantalum, rhenium, and niobium. These products, along with our ongoing support, contributed significantly to the success of the following:

  • Successful development of next-generation engines: Goodfellow’s alloys played a pivotal role in the creation of quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engines.   

  • Enhanced material compliance: By ensuring strict quality control and material accuracy, Goodfellow helped meet critical aerospace industry standards

  • Streamlined production process: Close collaboration and efficient material handling helped the client overcome packaging and logistics challenges, ensuring timely delivery and precision in production.

Goodfellow’s collaboration with the aerospace manufacturer highlights our ability to meet the industry’s toughest technical challenges.

By delivering high-quality alloys and maintaining rigorous standards, we helped the client achieve their environmental and performance goals. This partnership showcases Goodfellow’s expertise in driving innovation and supporting the development of more efficient, sustainable aerospace technologies.

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