What are mechanical shafts in the aerospace sector?Mechanical shafts in aerospace are mechanical elements designed to transmit torque, withstand rotational loads, and maintain the alignment of components within complex aeronautical systems.
Based on their function and criticality level, aircraft shafts are classified into two main groups:
Shafts for critical components:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nThis is where failure can compromise flight safety:
\n- Turbine engines
- Main transmission systems
- Flight control actuators
- Landing gear
- Engine auxiliary systems
Shafts for auxiliary and non-critical components:<\/strong>These shafts are intended for support and comfort systems:
\n- Hinge mechanisms in cabin doors and hatches
- Compartment opening and closing systems
- Seat and cabin furniture mechanisms
- Wheels and ground support equipment (GSE)
Auxiliary components, although less demanding in load than critical ones, equally require high dimensional accuracy, full traceability, and EN 9100 certification.<\/a> It is precisely in this segment where LEMEC specializes, offering custom metal shafts through cold heading and precision CNC turning for medium and high production runs within the aerospace sector. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Need help?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContact our technical office<\/strong> and tell us about your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe will study your case and propose a solution to manufacture them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\nContact us at<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Material selection is the first critical decision in the manufacturing of an aerospace shaft, as it directly determines the manufacturing process, in-service behavior, and component service life.
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nThe most widely used option when weight is a critical variable. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for compressor shafts, actuators, and transmission systems. It responds very well to cold heading and CNC machining, although it requires specific tooling and cutting parameters due to its low thermal conductivity.
Inconel 718<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nA nickel-based superalloy reserved for areas subjected to high temperatures, especially shafts in turbine stages. Its creep resistance at high temperatures is irreplaceable in these environments, although its machinability is more demanding and generally requires isothermal forging as a preforming process.
300M Steel and 4340 SteelHigh-strength aerospace steels are the dominant choice for landing gear shafts and high-load transmissions. They offer high toughness, excellent fatigue behavior, and are highly compatible with both cold heading and precision CNC turning for simpler geometries.
<\/div>\n\nManufacturing process for mechanical shafts in aviation
The manufacturing process<\/strong> <\/a>for aviation shafts is defined according to the shaft diameter, the loads it must withstand, the production volume, and the required tolerances. In the aerospace industry, three main methods are used: cold heading, precision CNC turning, and CNC machining,<\/strong> each with a specific role within the production process. <\/p>\n\nThe main processes used include:<\/p>\n\n
Cold heading for aviation shafts
This is where failure can compromise flight safety:
- \n
- Turbine engines
- Main transmission systems
- Flight control actuators
- Landing gear
- Engine auxiliary systems
Shafts for auxiliary and non-critical components:<\/strong>
These shafts are intended for support and comfort systems:
- \n
- Hinge mechanisms in cabin doors and hatches
- Compartment opening and closing systems
- Seat and cabin furniture mechanisms
- Wheels and ground support equipment (GSE)
Auxiliary components, although less demanding in load than critical ones, equally require high dimensional accuracy, full traceability, and EN 9100 certification.<\/a> It is precisely in this segment where LEMEC specializes, offering custom metal shafts through cold heading and precision CNC turning for medium and high production runs within the aerospace sector. <\/p>\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need help?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact our technical office<\/strong> and tell us about your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will study your case and propose a solution to manufacture them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nContact us at<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nMaterial selection is the first critical decision in the manufacturing of an aerospace shaft, as it directly determines the manufacturing process, in-service behavior, and component service life.
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
The most widely used option when weight is a critical variable. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for compressor shafts, actuators, and transmission systems. It responds very well to cold heading and CNC machining, although it requires specific tooling and cutting parameters due to its low thermal conductivity.
Inconel 718<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
A nickel-based superalloy reserved for areas subjected to high temperatures, especially shafts in turbine stages. Its creep resistance at high temperatures is irreplaceable in these environments, although its machinability is more demanding and generally requires isothermal forging as a preforming process.
300M Steel and 4340 Steel
High-strength aerospace steels are the dominant choice for landing gear shafts and high-load transmissions. They offer high toughness, excellent fatigue behavior, and are highly compatible with both cold heading and precision CNC turning for simpler geometries.
<\/div>\n\nManufacturing process for mechanical shafts in aviation
The manufacturing process<\/strong> <\/a>for aviation shafts is defined according to the shaft diameter, the loads it must withstand, the production volume, and the required tolerances. In the aerospace industry, three main methods are used: cold heading, precision CNC turning, and CNC machining,<\/strong> each with a specific role within the production process. <\/p>\n\n
The main processes used include:<\/p>\n\n
Cold heading for aviation shafts
- Hinge mechanisms in cabin doors and hatches
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