In the aerospace sector, strict regulatory requirements, environmental and safety standards combine with high performance needs to product exceptionally rigorous criteria for manufactured components.   

Existing manufacturing and post-processing techniques are often insufficient for the levels of surface finish demanded for the type of complex high-performance alloy components deployed in the demanding aeronautical environment. 

With this in mind, Holdson was approached by an industry-leading blue-chip aerospace manufacturer to enhance the surface quality of Inconel components used in their critical applications.   

In this case, efficient airflow across the Inconel component’s surface was essential for optimising both performance and fuel efficiency. The initial surface roughness of approximately 6μm Ra created friction, which was hampering airflow and decreasing the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the part. Achieving a smoother surface finish was critical, as even minor irregularities could negatively impact stability, fuel consumption, and the component’s longevity. Traditional post-processing techniques had been explored, however, they proved to be either too time-consuming and costly, or unable to achieve the necessary smoothness for this demanding application.