Hardening in the Aerospace Industry
There is hardly any industry that places higher demands on its equipment than the aerospace industry. It deals with the development and operation of aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and satellites. These systems are continuously refined, taking technical, scientific, and environmental factors into account. The goal is to achieve the most optimal integration of components and subsystems in order to attain specific properties. Desirable attributes include, among others, lightness, aerodynamics, and thermal resistance.
HTR treats rocket fuel tanks using specialized heat treatment processes to optimally prepare them for use under extreme conditions in space. By precisely adjusting the material properties, we ensure that the components meet the highest requirements for strength, pressure resistance, and thermal cycling. Our controlled processes help prevent material failure and reliably ensure the structural integrity of the tanks, even under vacuum, at cryogenic temperatures, and under high mechanical loads.
Our CORE COMPETENCIES
As one of the leading hardening companies,we are your reliable partner for industrial heat treatment. For over 25 years we have been hardening steel and other metals using state-of-the-art processes – dimension-stable, wear-resistant, and reproducible. Whether individual parts or series production: we combine expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and process controlto achieve the highest hardness quality and warp resistance .
48-hour service
Thanks to our unique organizational structure and customer-focused flexibility, we have been delivering top-quality hardened parts in record time for over 25 years.
Quality assurance
With a state-of-the-art control system, we keep an eye on all important parameters at all times and ensure that only flawless products are delivered.
Pick-up and delivery service
As part of our worry-free service package, our company-owned transport fleet enables daily pickups and deliveries in the central region of Upper Austria.
Knowledge transfer
In customized seminars, you will learn which combination of materials and hardening processes can reduce the costs of your project while achieving optimal component properties.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please use our contact form or contact our sales team directly.
Silvio Stranek
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Upper Austria, Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Bavaria, South Tyrol)
Email. s.stranek@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 92 78 10
Thomas Stadlober
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Styria, Vienna, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Slovenia)
Email. t.stadlober@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 64 15 06
Why Hardening in the AEROSPACE INDUSTRY?
Weight Reduction: In the aerospace industry, weight is a critical factor, as lighter components reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency. Hardening processes enable the production of lighter yet robust components, which contributes to weight reduction in aircraft and spacecraft.
Improved Strength and Durability: The extreme operating conditions in the aerospace industry require materials with high strength and durability. Hardening processes such as heat treatment and surface hardening improve the mechanical properties of metal components, resulting in increased strength and service life.
Increased Wear Resistance: Aircraft and spacecraft components are often subjected to severe wear caused by friction and abrasive particles. Hardening processes such as coating and surface hardening can improve the wear resistance of materials, thereby extending their service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Thermal Stability: In the aerospace industry, components must withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during flight. Hardening processes can improve the thermal stability of materials, ensuring their performance in a variety of environments.
Corrosion Resistance: Aircraft and spacecraft are exposed to environments that can promote corrosion, such as high humidity and atmospheric salts. Surface treatment processes such as electroplating and passivation can improve the corrosion resistance of materials, thereby extending their service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Reduction of Material Fatigue: Aircraft and spacecraft are subjected to cyclic loads that can lead to material fatigue. Hardening processes can improve the fatigue strength of materials, thereby increasing their reliability and service life.
Improved Aerodynamics: Hardening processes can make surfaces smoother and more durable, which improves the aerodynamics of aircraft and spacecraft and reduces drag.
Component Optimization: Hardening processes enable the production of high-precision, custom-made components that meet the specific requirements of the aerospace industry.
Reliability and Safety: Hardening processes help improve the reliability and safety of aircraft and spacecraft by enhancing the quality and performance of materials and components.
Innovation and Progress: The use of hardening processes enables the aerospace industry to develop innovative materials and technologies that lead to more advanced aircraft and spacecraft.
Hardening
Hardening is a process used to increase the hardness and strength of metals, such as steel. Most materials consist of various crystal lattice structures, each with different properties. Hardening is a process in which these structures are altered to achieve the desired properties.
Nitriding
Nitriding is a thermochemical process in which nitrogen diffuses into the surface of a metal workpiece to improve its mechanical and physical properties. The process is typically carried out at elevated temperatures in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
Deep freezing
During deep-freezing, the steel is cooled to a temperature of -70°C to -150°C after hardening, which causes the retained austenite to be transformed into martensite.