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Last updated: January 2026
This directory lists 83 aerospace sheet metal fabricators across the United States, from specialists in interior trim and ducting to structural component producers utilizing advanced forming techniques.
Buyers in this category are typically solving critical problems related to weight reduction, structural integrity, and demanding performance requirements under extreme conditions. They need fabricators capable of working with specialized materials like 2024-T3 aluminum, Inconel, and titanium, often requiring precision forming, complex welding, and highly controlled heat treatment processes to meet specific strength-to-weight ratios and fatigue life specifications.
Supplier types in this space range from smaller, agile shops specializing in quick-turn prototypes and short production runs for startup aerospace ventures, to large, vertically integrated enterprises capable of high-volume production, complex sub-assemblies, and comprehensive in-house special processes, including age forming and chemical milling. The key differentiator often lies in their scale, internal process controls, and depth of specific material expertise.
To effectively engage fabricators, buyers should arrive with fully dimensioned 2D drawings and 3D models (e.g., STEP, SolidWorks), clear material specifications including temper and grade, and defined tolerance requirements. Suppliers, in turn, expect a detailed Statement of Work, an understanding of applicable certifications (like AS9100 and specific NADCAP accreditations), and clarity on whether the project falls under ITAR jurisdiction, allowing them to accurately assess capabilities and provide a compliant quote.
A significant trend shaping this category is the increasing demand for fabricators who can support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) early in the product lifecycle, especially for novel airframe designs or propulsion systems. This shift emphasizes collaborative engineering to optimize part design for cost-effective fabrication, reducing material waste and post-processing, and leveraging advanced simulation tools to predict forming behavior and material springback for complex geometries.
83 companies nationwide
Based in Stockton, CA, Applied Aerospace Structures Corporation provides comprehensive aerospace manufacturing, design, and analysis. They offer in-house fabrication and assembly services, including Nadcap-certified metal bond preparation, precision machining, and composite fabrication. The company supports Space, Air, Land, and Sea markets, delivering efficient and precise aerospace component solutions.
Based in Anaheim, CA, ABC Sheet Metal Steeldyne Industries specializes in precision aerospace and commercial metal fabrication. They offer diverse capabilities including laser cutting, CNC machining, forming, welding, and punching. Serving industrial clients, they produce custom metal products from steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Based in Liberty Lake, WA, AccraFab specializes in custom aerospace sheet metal fabrication. The company holds an AS9100 Rev C Certification of registration, showcasing its capability and commitment to quality within aerospace manufacturing.
Based in Rochester, NY, Acro Industries, Inc. provides total contract manufacturing solutions for the aerospace industry. They specialize in precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, turning, and welding services. The company also offers engineering, assembly, and supply chain management, producing various aircraft components.
Based in Livermore, CA, Advantage Metal Products (AMP) is an ISO-certified partner specializing in precision sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining. They provide complex, tight-tolerance parts and turnkey manufacturing for the aerospace industry, offering comprehensive engineering support and final assembly services.
Aerometals, located in El Dorado Hills, CA, provides aerospace sheet metal fabrication. They manufacture components and assemblies using hydroforming, stretch forming, deep drawing, and CNC machining. The company processes aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and titanium for the aerospace industry.
Aero Precision Manufacturing, Inc. (APM) is a US-based provider of high-quality components and services, manufactured in the USA. Specializing in CNC automated laser cutting, complete assembly, powder coating, and painting, APM serves a diverse range of industries. The company emphasizes lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery of precision parts.
Based in Paramount, CA, Aerospares Fabrication LLC provides AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 certified precision sheet metal fabrication. Specializing in aerospace-grade aluminum, stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium, it performs CNC machining, welding, and assembly for aerospace, defense, and medical clients.
Based in Bemidji, MN, Aircorps Aviation provides aerospace parts fabrication, reverse engineering, and contract manufacturing services for historic, legacy, and modern aircraft, including WWII models. They supply approved data to fabricate parts, supporting continued airworthiness and restoration projects as a certified repair station.
Based in Fort Worth, TX, Accurate Metal Stamping provides custom metal fabrication, including precise CO2, fiber, and tube laser cutting. They offer robotic and manual TIG/MIG welding for steel, stainless, and aluminum, high-quality powder coating, and CNC punching/forming. The company boasts over 30 years of experience.
Based in Compton, CA, Anoroc Precision Sheet Metal Inc. offers comprehensive sheet metal fabrication services. They specialize in laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, and welding. Serving the aerospace, medical, electronics, and automotive sectors, Anoroc is committed to delivering high-quality, precision components from its US facility.
Approved Sheet Metal, based in Hudson, NH, provides custom precision prototype and low-volume production sheet metal fabrication. They are ITAR registered and ISO 9001:2015 certified, offering quick-turn parts for aerospace and diverse industries. Services include working with steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Based in Chatsworth, CA, Asil Aerospace specializes in precision sheet metal fabrication for the aerospace and defense industries. Capabilities include forming, bending, shearing, and punching services. They also offer advanced CNC machining, welding, and complex assemblies, utilizing diverse materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
Based in Grand Prairie, TX, AST Manufacturing specializes in precision sheet metal fabrication and machining services. The company provides complex components and assemblies for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and electronics, from its state-of-the-art facility.
Based in Wichita, KS, The Atlas Group is an aerospace manufacturer. They specialize in sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, complex assembly, and skin manufacturing. The company also offers electronic assembly, chemical milling, and metal bonding for the aerospace industry.
Avantus Aerospace provides precision sheet metal details, machined parts, and assemblies for aerospace and defense applications. The company also specializes in laminated and solid shims, panels, and high-strength aerospace fasteners. Its focus includes C-Class and composite parts, manufactured from its US facilities.
Benner Metals Corporation is a custom sheet metal fabricator based in Fullerton, CA. With over 50 years of experience, they provide a full range of services including laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, and assembly. They specialize in serving diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and electronics.
Based in Placentia, CA, Coast Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc. is a unique fabrications house specializing in design and manufacturing solutions for the aerospace industry. The company is committed to exceeding customer expectations by delivering high-quality products on schedule, with a strong focus on getting it right the first time.
Craftech Metal Forming, Inc. is a sheet metal fabrication specialist based in Perris, CA. The company provides precision metal forming services, adhering to strict quality clauses, indicating expertise in demanding industries such as aerospace and defense.
Based in Canoga Park, CA, Creative Sheetmetal Services specializes in sheet metal repairs, modifications, and engineering liaison services. The company is conveniently located near Van Nuys Airport, catering to aerospace and aviation clients with custom metalworking solutions.
Based in Solon, OH, DAS Aviation specializes in aerospace sheet metal fabrication. The company's expertise covers various aircraft components, including bulkheads, wing structures, and fuselage sections. They also provide comprehensive aircraft component repair, structures, and parts support for business and commercial jets.
D&H Industries, Inc. specializes in manufacturing aerospace metal stamping parts and aircraft components. Based in Oconomowoc, WI, the company provides essential fabrication services for the aerospace industry, producing high-quality metal parts to meet demanding specifications.
Based in East Syracuse, NY, Eagle Metalcraft Inc offers precision sheet metal fabrication services. Specializing in prototype services for aerospace, medical, and defense applications, they combine craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The company is ISO 9001-2015 Certified, ITAR Registered, and a Veteran-Owned Small Business.
Based in Granbury, TX, Fabrication Specialty Inc. specializes in precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, and assembly for demanding industries. Certified AS9100D, they serve aerospace, medical, and defense sectors, offering comprehensive capabilities including laser cutting, forming, welding, and finishing for complex parts.
Falcon Aerospace Inc. is an AS9100D/ISO9001 certified company specializing in the design and manufacture of custom sheet metal fabrications. They provide structural components and assemblies for aerospace, defense, and commercial industries, offering CNC forming, bending, punching, shearing, and various welding processes.
Based in Independence, IA, Geater offers AS9100 and NADCAP-accredited sheet metal fabrication and precision machining services. Since 1962, they have delivered high-quality parts, including punching, laser cutting, bending, and spot welding, for the aerospace, electronics, and high-tech industries.
Guzman Manufacturing, an AS9100-certified custom contract manufacturer in Rowlett, TX, specializes in precision sheet metal components. Operating from a 27,000 sq ft facility, they process steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Services include laser cutting, CNC punch press, welding, forming, bending, and prototyping for aerospace and other industrial applications.
Based in Wichita, KS, Harlow Aerostructures LLC provides aerospace manufacturing and assembly services, specializing in sheet metal components. They produce a wide range of parts, from large bulkheads to small components. Capabilities include prototyping, machining, and complex electro-mechanical throttle quadrants, plus structural component assemblies.
Based in Fort Worth, TX, Har-Conn Aerospace provides aerospace manufacturing and fabrication services. Specializing in sheet metal forming, welding, and assembly, the company also offers precision CNC machining and various special processes. Har-Conn delivers integrated, AS9100D-certified solutions for critical aerospace components and assemblies.
Heritage Aviation, Ltd provides multi-site, full-spectrum standard and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Associated with Albers Aerospace, the company serves the industrials and defense sectors, offering comprehensive services for complex aerospace programs and components. They operate with extensive platforms and certifications in the United States.
H&S Manufacturing Co., based in Rowlett, TX, provides custom sheet metal fabrication services and contract manufacturing since 1968. Capabilities include precision machining, laser cutting, and value-added assembly, such as Form-in-Place gasketing and powder coating. They support aerospace metal fabrication with reliable international deliveries.
Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, I.A.M Aerospace Quality Welding LLC is a family-owned company established in 2020. They specialize in aerospace quality welding and metal fabrication services. Capabilities include CNC parts, frames, and platforms using materials like aluminum, stainless steel, steel, inconel, and titanium for aerospace and industrial applications.
Based in Simi Valley, CA, Infinity Precision Inc. offers high-quality precision sheet metal fabrication services. They specialize in laser cutting, punching, forming, and welding for various metals, serving the aerospace, medical, industrial, and defense industries. The company is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified.
J&A Manufacturing Inc., based in Garland, TX, is an ISO 9001:2015 registered, Veteran Owned precision sheet metal fabricator. They offer comprehensive manufacturing services including CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, and coating. The company specializes in complex sheet metal requirements for the aerospace, medical, defense, and industrial markets.
J M Fabrication Company, LLC, based in Arlington, TX, offers AS9100 and ISO9001 certified metal fabrication and engineering services. Specializing in precision products for Aerospace & Defense, they deliver custom solutions. The company integrates into customer supply chains, enhancing operational efficiency and prioritizing unwavering quality.
Jones Metal specializes in precision metal forming and machining services, including hydroforming, fluid cell forming, hand forming, and metal rolling. An approved Lockheed Martin vendor, they serve the aerospace, defense, rocket mounting systems, and space power generation industries, providing high-quality fabrication solutions.
Based in Eastman, GA, Kencoa Aerospace offers in-house engineering, fabrication, machining, and assembly capabilities. They are a Tier-1 supplier of precision machined and sheetmetal fabricated components for the commercial aerospace, military and defense, business aviation, and space systems industries.
Based in St. Louis, McCay Tool & Engineering is a manufacturer of aerospace components, specializing in sheet metal fabrication, CNC milling, turning, and precision machining. With over 70 years of experience, they serve major aerospace companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as government entities, providing American-made aircraft parts.
Based in Langhorne, PA, Metals USA offers a wide range of metal fabrication services tailored for the aerospace industry. Their capabilities include producing essential components such as railings, brackets, tubing, and tanks. The company serves industrial and commercial B2B customers.
MTCcorp, based in Fountain Valley, CA, provides comprehensive aerospace manufacturing services. Capabilities include precision CNC machining of large format parts, advanced composites fabrication, and complex assemblies. They are an AS9100D certified and ITAR-registered supplier for major aerospace programs.
Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Midwest Metal Products provides NADCAP-certified precision metal fabrication. Since 1964, the company has specialized in sheet metal products for aerospace, medical equipment, and electronic industries. Capabilities include assembly, chromate conversion, painting, powder coating, welding, and press brake services.
Based in Oklahoma City, OK, OMADA International specializes in high-performance metallic structures and components for Commercial and Defense aerospace. They offer complex sheet metal forming, precision machining, and vertical integration, serving a range of premier program platforms from US facilities.
Based in Spanish Fork, UT, OSH Cut provides on-demand sheet metal laser cutting and bending services. They offer instant online quotes, DFM feedback, and fast lead times, with next-day delivery options. The company ensures quality with traceable mill certificates, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment for various industrial applications.
PEKO Precision is a vertically integrated contract manufacturer, specializing in sheet metal fabrication and complex electromechanical assemblies. Certified to AS 9100 and ISO 9001, and ITAR registered, they serve the Defense, Medical, and Industrial sectors. Services include NPI, prototyping, and custom machine manufacturing.
Precise Metal Products specializes in precision metal fabrication, serving the aerospace, defense, and high-technology industries. Established in 1957, the company provides manufacturing solutions for complex requirements. Their expertise includes various precision processes tailored for demanding applications in critical sectors.
Based in Yorba Linda, CA, Precise Aerospace Manufacturing provides specialized manufacturing solutions for the aerospace industry. The company produces production parts for Tier 1 Aerospace Manufacturers, indicating direct involvement in critical aerospace supply chains. They focus on delivering precise components for demanding applications.
Precision Sheet Metal Products Inc. (PSMP) is a US-based fabricator providing innovative sheet metal manufacturing services. Committed to AS9100 requirements, PSMP delivers top-quality products on time through continual process improvement, serving customers with precision and competitive pricing.
Based in Dayton, OH, Precision Metal Fabrication Inc. provides precision sheet metal fabrication services. They offer comprehensive capabilities including laser cutting, forming, welding, painting, and assembly for all types of metals and heavy fabrication projects. With 35 years of experience, the company emphasizes superior precision and turnkey solutions.
Based in Contoocook, NH, Prototek provides comprehensive aerospace sheet metal fabrication services. Capabilities include bending, forming, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, welding, and assembly, supporting projects from prototyping to production. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and ITAR certifications.
Based in Chatsworth, CA, Rapid Manufacturing Precision Sheet Metal specializes in custom sheet metal fabrication. The company produces a wide array of precision components including brackets, enclosures, chassis, housing, hangers, and washers. They serve industrial clients requiring high-quality, rapidly manufactured sheet metal parts.
Based in San Antonio, TX, Schroeder Metal Technologies specializes in AS9100 and ITAR compliant aerospace sheet metal fabrication. They provide metalworking services, including stretch and drop hammer forming, for aviation, space, and defense industries, covering mid-range to low-volume production and prototyping projects.
Based in Cameron Park, CA, Snowline Engineering is an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified American manufacturer. Since 1966, the company has specialized in precision aerospace sheet metal fabrication, machining, and assembly solutions for the aerospace and defense industries, operating from a 75,000 sq ft facility.
Special Products & Mfg., Inc. (SPM) provides precision sheet metal fabrication for mechanical products, assemblies, and parts. With over 60 years of experience, their in-house capabilities include CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, painting, and design engineering. SPM operates as an ISO 9001:2015 certified contract manufacturer.
Based in Irving, TX, S&S Machine Inc. offers sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, waterjet cutting, mechanical assembly, and surface finishing. The AS9100 registered and ITAR certified company serves the aerospace sector, recognized as a Gold Supplier by BAE Systems and a Performance Excellence Award recipient by Boeing.
Stanron Steel Specialties, based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, provides AS9100D certified aerospace sheet metal fabrication services. Specializing in intricate metal products, short run stampings, and assemblies, the company ensures high-quality, well-documented processes for aircraft components. They serve various industries, prioritizing safety and security.
Based in Perris, CA, Stretch Forming Corporation specializes in formed, heat-treated, fabricated, and machined structural components for aerospace, defense, and space industries. They offer advanced 3- and 5-axis CNC machining for complex parts up to 30ft long, along with comprehensive metal forming solutions.
Based in Middletown, DE, Summit Aviation MFG offers full-service assembly of complex multilevel aerospace structures. The company also specializes in complex machined assemblies, complete sub-assemblies, and kits for various aerospace applications.
Based in St. Paul, MN, Tempco Manufacturing Company, Inc. provides custom metal aerospace parts using advanced sheet metal fabrication and metal stamping services. The company has over 80 years of experience, operating an 83,000 square foot manufacturing facility with a dedicated tool and die shop.
Based in Wayne, NJ, TORNQVIST provides high-precision metal fabrication services, including laser cutting, machining, forming, welding, and metal cutting. The company serves various industries, prominently the aerospace sector, producing parts and assemblies to tight tolerances and industry compliance.
Based in Anaheim, CA, Tri Precision Sheetmetal, Inc. is an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified precision sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining facility. They offer laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, and assembly. The company supplies parts for aerospace, electronics, and medical industries from its 20,000 sq. ft. plant.
United Aeronautical Corporation, based in North Hollywood, CA, is an aerospace supplier and manufacturer established in 1954. For over sixty years, UAC has supported US Military and foreign governments, specializing in sheet metal overhaul services alongside hydraulic, electromechanical, and landing gear.
Based in Riverside, CA, U.S. Precision Sheet Metal, Inc. provides advanced CNC manufacturing and custom metal fabrication for aerospace and defense, medical, and electronics industries. Core services include laser cutting, CNC machining, metal forming, welding, deburring, and kitting, ensuring precision tolerances and quality control.
Based in Torrance, CA, Verus Aerospace manufactures complex, mission-critical aerospace and defense components. The company specializes in high-speed aluminum and hard metal machining, handling parts up to 720 inches in length. They offer integrated assembly and chemical processing for vertical integration solutions.
Vermont Aerospace Industries, based in Lyndonville, VT, specializes in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly services. Serving the defense and aerospace sectors, the company focuses on meeting exacting design specifications with highly skilled engineers and leading-edge equipment, ensuring reliable delivery.
Based in O'Fallon, MO, WB Industries provides custom metal and structural fabrication services. They specialize in machining, tooling, and cutting, holding certifications including Boeing and ISO 9001:2015. This allows them to deliver high-quality, engineered solutions for industrial clients.
Based in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford Aerospace Inc. provides a myriad of services for the aerospace industry. Their capabilities include forming, chemical milling, fabrication, non-destructive inspection, and corrosion protection for aircraft parts. The company brings over 40 years of experience to the sector.
A-Laser specializes in custom laser cutting services, providing high precision for complex designs across various materials, including metals, ceramics, and plastics. They serve the aerospace industry, supporting projects from R&D to full-scale production and ensuring tight tolerances for parts.
Based in Uxbridge, MA, Precision Engineering LLC is an advanced metalworking contract manufacturer. The company specializes in custom sheet metal components and assemblies, serving as a Tier-1 supplier to the aerospace and defense sectors. All products are manufactured in the USA.
Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, A&A Aerospace Inc. specializes in precision aerospace sheet metal fabrication. They provide hand forming, check and straightening, machining, and hot/cold forming for aluminum and exotic materials. Serving aerospace, automotive, medical, and commercial industries.
Based in Palmdale, CA, Aero Bending Company specializes in precision aerospace sheet metal fabrication. They provide comprehensive bending and forming services, including CNC hydroforming, brake forming, and roll forming, for complex parts made from various aerospace-grade metals. The company is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Based in Wichita, KS, CAPPS Manufacturing provides aircraft sheet metal fabrication and forming services. They specialize in parts and assemblies for business, commercial, and military aerospace customers. Capabilities include stretch forming, hydroforming, welding, and non-destructive testing, adhering to MIL-I-45208A and Boeing D1-9000 standards.
Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Coast Sheet Metal Inc. provides comprehensive precision sheet metal fabrication services. Specializing in CNC laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, and machining, the company serves critical industries including aerospace, defense, medical, and electronics. They maintain AS9100D certification for their quality management system.
Based in Saint Clair, MI, Corson Fabricating, L.L.C. specializes in aerospace metal manufacturing services, including structural steel fabrication for aerospace components. They provide custom fabrication solutions and sheet metal enclosures from their fully equipped, 30,000 square foot steel fabricating shop, handling diverse industrial requirements.
Dayton Rogers, based in Minneapolis, MN, provides precision metal stamping and sheet-metal fabrication. With almost a century of experience, they offer solutions from prototype to production, including welding, machining, and complete assemblies. They emphasize quality and fast lead times from their US manufacturing facilities.
Essner Manufacturing provides aerospace and defense sheet metal fabrication, machining, and assembly services from its Fort Worth, TX facility. The company is Nadcap accredited for chemical processing, aluminum heat treating, prime and topcoat painting, and resistance and fusion welding, delivering specialized parts and value-added kits.
Based in Kendallville, IN, Kammerer Dynamics Inc. specializes in aerospace sheet metal fabrication. The company utilizes state-of-the-art machinery to form aircraft parts according to precise customer specifications, focusing on delivering high-quality, custom sheet metal components for the aerospace industry.
Based in Tallmadge, OH, Midwest Metal Fabrications provides precision sheet metal fabrication services. With over 40 years of experience, they specialize in tight tolerance laser cutting, CNC machining, press breaking, and AWS-certified welding of stainless, aluminum, and carbon steel for OEMs and manufacturers.
Naimor Metal Fabrication, based in Bellingham, WA, specializes in sheet metal fabrication for aerospace systems and components. Capabilities include flat fiber laser cutting, turret punching, press brake forming, and plate rolling. They also provide prototyping, new product introduction, and electro-mechanical assembly services for production.
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Precision Aerospace Corporation is an AS9100, ISO9001, and NADCAP-certified manufacturer of aerospace components. They specialize in precision manufacturing, chemical milling, machining, and finishing services for exotic alloys, adhering to strict FAA, DOD, and NASA requirements for the aviation industry.
Based in Anaheim, CA, Pinnacle Precision Sheet Metal specializes in precision sheet metal fabrication, machining, and total assembly for aerospace components. The company utilizes advanced CNC technology and decades of experience to produce durable and reliable parts, components, and assemblies with high accuracy.
Based in Reisterstown, MD, Primus Aerospace specializes in high-quality, high-complexity precision machining and fabrication services for the aerospace and defense industries. They offer build-to-print manufacturing solutions, including sheet metal cutting and welding for aerospace applications, leveraging expertise in unique alloys and complex assemblies.
Based in Corona, CA, Universal Metals provides precision sheet metal fabrication services. Capabilities include CNC laser cutting, forming, welding, and assembly for high-tolerance parts and complex projects. They serve diverse industrial sectors, including aerospace, defense, medical, and general manufacturing applications.
Align Precision provides precision sheet metal fabrication and metal-forming solutions for the aerospace, defense, and high-tech industries. They specialize in complex components, structural assemblies, and skins, working with hard metals, aluminums, alloys, and exotic materials to achieve tight tolerances for demanding applications.
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AS9100 is an overarching Quality Management System standard specific to the aviation, space, and defense industries, ensuring a fabricator's entire quality system meets aerospace requirements. NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is a special process accreditation, meaning it certifies a fabricator's specific processes, like welding, heat treating, chemical processing, or non-destructive testing, meet rigorous aerospace standards. A fabricator can be AS9100 certified but not NADCAP accredited for a specific process, which is a critical distinction for parts requiring those specialty operations.
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance is crucial if your aerospace components or related technical data are designated as defense articles or services. An ITAR-compliant fabricator has stringent controls over who can access your drawings and parts, where they are manufactured, and how data is shared, preventing unauthorized foreign access. Failing to use an ITAR-registered and compliant fabricator for controlled items can lead to severe legal penalties for both the buyer and the supplier.
Aerospace requires specific alloys like 2024-T3, 7075-T6, Inconel, and titanium grades (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) for their specific strength-to-weight ratios, fatigue resistance, and thermal properties. Fabricators must not only procure these specific grades but also understand their unique forming characteristics, such as springback, work hardening, and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking, which dictate forming techniques (e.g., age forming, hot forming) and post-processing requirements not typical for industrial grades.
A FAIR, typically performed to AS9102 standards, is a comprehensive, independent verification that the first article produced from a new or revised process meets all engineering drawing and specification requirements. It's critical in aerospace because it proves the manufacturer can consistently produce a part to design, mitigating risks of non-conformances in subsequent production runs. Without an approved FAIR, subsequent production parts generally cannot be accepted, halting manufacturing lines and delaying aircraft assembly.
Material traceability is paramount for flight-critical components. You should expect a fabricator to maintain robust, lot-level traceability from the raw material mill certificate (MTR) through every step of fabrication, including heat treatment, welding, and surface finishing. This ensures that in the event of a material failure or defect, the exact material batch, processing history, and origin can be identified, contained, and investigated, a crucial requirement for airworthiness and safety.