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tk accelis supplies aerospace-grade metals and provides processing and supply chain support for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. Our materials are used across commercial aircraft, defense systems, satellite platforms, and space launch vehicles. When programs demand performance beyond standard industrial use, the choice of metal matters.
Aerospace specifications are unforgiving. Materials must meet strict standards and maintain performance under fatigue, corrosion, vibration, thermal cycling, and extreme service conditions. In practice, that means selecting metals that support lightweight structures, improved fuel efficiency, and dependable results in mission-critical environments, including applications beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Our service centers across North America are positioned to support availability and lead times. Customers use our flexible supply chain programs to match production schedules, inventory targets, and changing demand. The goal is simple. Keep aerospace work moving with reliable material flow and controlled quality.
We support aircraft and space customers with custom metal solutions selected for safety and long-term reliability, including harsh operating environments.
Aerospace Segments We Serve
Commercial Aircraft
We supply aerospace-grade metals for both manufacturing and maintenance of commercial aircraft. Materials are selected to align with OEM requirements and program needs, including structural components, landing gear, and avionics applications. These choices support performance and fuel-efficiency goals, as well as the safety expectations of modern aviation.
Why it matters:
Aircraft parts operate under repeated loading, corrosion exposure, and strict performance limits.
How it helps:
Better material fit supports consistent output across build and repair cycles.
tk accelis supplies metals used in satellites, spacecraft, launch systems, and other mission-critical components. Space hardware sees extreme environments. Materials are selected for durability, reliability, and stable long-term performance beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Why it matters:
A small issue in material quality can affect an entire mission.
How it helps:
Reliable metals help reduce risk in high-demand assemblies.
Who benefits:
Space and satellite supply chains, precision manufacturers, and specialized machine shops.
Defense Industry
As a stocking distributor, processor, and service provider, we support defense programs across North America. Contractors and military organizations rely on these materials for airframes, armoured vehicles, radar systems, propulsion technologies, and related equipment. We are proud to contribute to national security and support the missions of those who protect our country.
Why it matters:
Defense work often requires traceability, repeatability, and controlled quality.
How it helps:
Certified systems and a consistent supply support program execution.
Who benefits:
Defense contractors, integrators, and approved suppliers.
Metals For The Aerospace Industry
We offer a wide range of aerospace materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, and cobalt chrome. These metals are produced and processed to aerospace specifications and standards. Operating environment, design loads, corrosion exposure, and manufacturing requirements drive material selection.
Aluminum For Aerospace
Aerospace aluminum is a core engineering material because it combines low weight with strong mechanical properties. This balance supports structural integrity while helping reduce overall aircraft mass. That matters in both commercial and defense applications where efficiency and performance targets are tightly managed.
Common Aerospace Applications For Aluminum
Fuselage, wings, and tail sections
Engine components and housings
Landing gear
Cabin interiors and seating frames
Electrical systems and wiring
Aluminum's low density reduces weight, improving load capacity and fuel efficiency. Its corrosion resistance and fatigue performance also help support long service life across varied and demanding operating conditions.
Heat treatment and alloying are used to tailor aluminum for different structural demands. Each alloy series supports specific design and manufacturing needs.
One of the most common aerospace alloys. Copper alloying supports an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strong fatigue resistance. Designers use 2024 in fuselage structures, wing tension members, and other high-load components.
Zinc alloying delivers very high strength, often comparable to that of steel. Used in wings, fuselage frames, and other load-bearing structures. It offers strong fatigue resistance and is widely used in aerospace and military applications.
Chosen for corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength in thicker sections and used in wing skins, bulkheads, and fuselage frames, especially in military aircraft. Its resistance to stress corrosion cracking supports mission-critical designs.
Stainless Steel Used In Aerospace
Stainless steel supports aerospace systems that require strength plus resistance to heat and corrosion. Its reliable performance over a broad temperature range makes it a practical option for structural and engine applications.
Common Aerospace Applications For Stainless Steel
Structural airframe components
Engine and exhaust system elements
Landing gear assemblies
Precision fasteners and fittings
Stainless steel resists corrosion because chromium forms a passive oxide film that helps protect the surface from oxidation and other forms of environmental degradation. In some applications, that protection can reduce the need for extra coatings while improving longevity and lifecycle value.
Stainless Steel Advantages For Aerospace Applications
High tensile and yield strength
Corrosion resistance
Fatigue and impact resistance
Dimensional stability under thermal stress
Strength-to-weight efficiency at reduced thicknesses
When very high strength and fatigue resistance are required, precipitation-hardening (PH) stainless steels are often selected. These heat-treatable alloys provide high strength and hardness while maintaining corrosion resistance and toughness.
Known for strength, fatigue resistance, and stable properties across a broad temperature range. Used for structural components where mechanical integrity is critical.
Combines high strength with strong corrosion resistance. Heat treatment supports a range of hardness targets, which helps fit high-stress aerospace components.
Balances strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Heat treatable to multiple hardness levels, which supports manufacturing flexibility. Performs well in high temperatures and corrosive environments.
Other common choices include 304 and 316, valued for corrosion resistance, formability, and dependable performance under thermal stress.
A widely used stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. Ease of fabrication and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures support structural and equipment use.
Contains higher levels of molybdenum than 304, improving resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Strong mechanical properties, weldability, and thermal performance support demanding applications.
For high-volume aerospace component machining, we offer proprietary MAXX® in 304 and 316, and AccuMAXX® in 17-4. These options are engineered for improved machinability, tight tolerances, strong surface finishes, and reliable performance.
Red Metals For Aerospace
Copper, brass, and bronze are used where electrical conductivity, thermal transfer, machinability, and wear resistance are important. These materials support electrical and high-wear applications in aerospace systems.
Strong, corrosion-resistant, and with excellent impact durability. Used for bearings, bushings, landing gear parts, and structural hardware exposed to stress and vibration.
High strength with bearing and corrosion-resistant properties. It is also described as self-lubricating and highly machinable. Used for landing gear bushings, pump shafts, and structural components.
Corrosion resistance comparable to pure copper with higher strength. Valued for fatigue resistance and machinability. Used for landing gear components and structural hardware where strength, formability, and long-term wear performance are critical.
Cobalt Chrome For Aerospace
Cobalt-chrome alloys support applications that require strength, wear resistance, and elevated-temperature performance. These alloys are also known for corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. They are used in turbine engines, structural components, and other high-stress assemblies where durability and precision are critical.
Contact us to learn more about the available cobalt-chrome alloys.
Certifications and Quality Assurance
Quality is central to aerospace work. Our aerospace facilities operate under quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications. These credentials have earned delegated source acceptance status from major aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. We are also DFARS-compliant.
Our focus on precision, traceability, and performance has made us a preferred supplier to airframe manufacturers and their subcontractors across North America.
DFARS Compliance Support
Some aerospace and defense supply chains require DFARS-related sourcing controls. If your program includes DFARS requirements, refer to the DFARS compliance page on materialsplus.ca for guidance. Our team can also help confirm material documentation needs for your project.
Our team can also help confirm the documentation expectations for your material needs.
Value-added Processing Services
To help aerospace customers shorten production steps and reduce total cost, we offer value-added processing services.
Custom Machining and Fabrication: High precision components prepared for immediate integration into assemblies, helping you meet tight deadlines.
Supply chain and inventory solutions
Backed by a strong logistics network and global supplier relationships, tk accelis delivers scalable supply chain solutions for the aerospace industry. We support major airframe manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, aerospace machine shops, and MRO facilities with reliable delivery and short-lead-time fulfillment.
Just-In-Time (JIT) Delivery
Deliveries aligned with production schedules to reduce handling and on-site storage.
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
Real-time inventory oversight to streamline purchasing and reduce carrying costs.
Custom Kitting Programs
Pre-packaged material kits assembled to your specifications to simplify workflows and reduce setup time.
Service Level Agreements (SLA)
Defined metrics and service standards to support consistent service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What metals are most used in aerospace manufacturing?
Aluminum, stainless steel, and copper alloys are among the most widely used because they meet strength-to-weight targets, provide corrosion resistance, and perform well in demanding conditions.
Why is aluminum widely used in aircraft structures?
Aluminum is lightweight and strong, which helps reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. Corrosion resistance and fatigue performance support fuel efficiency and long-term durability.
What are aerospace-grade or aircraft-grade metals?
These are high-performance metals that meet stringent specifications, including AMS, ASTM, and MIL standards. They are tested for strength, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and other critical properties needed in aerospace environments.
What types of stainless steel are used in aerospace?
Common grades include 13-8, 15-5, 17-4, 304, and 316. Alloy selection depends on required strength, corrosion resistance, and the temperature and stress demands of the application.
How are copper and bronze alloys used in aerospace?
They are used in electrical systems, bearings, bushings, landing gear areas, and other high-wear components. These alloys offer conductivity, machinability, and wear resistance.
What aluminum alloys are best for aerospace applications?
Aluminum 2024, 7075, 6061, and 7050 are common choices. Each supports different needs such as structural components, wing skins, and fuselage frames based on fatigue, strength, and corrosion considerations.
Are your metals certified to aerospace standards?
Yes. Our aerospace materials are fully certified to AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards. Additionally, we hold delegated source acceptance status from major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, ensuring our products meet the rigorous quality requirements of the global aerospace industry.
What value-added services do you offer for aerospace metals?
We offer cut-to-length sawing, custom machining, precision fabrication, and other processing services designed to reduce production time and improve efficiency.
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