ACE Laboratories Expands Thermal Analysis and Rheology Capabilities Through Acquisition of Quick Accurate Testing

Aerospace Materials Specifications Testing for Polymers and Elastomers

Materials used in aerospace applications must perform reliably under demanding conditions. Temperature extremes, jet fuels, hydraulic oils, deicing fluids and other exposures can affect a polymer’s physical properties and long-term performance.

 

Aerospace Materials Specifications testing helps manufacturers determine whether rubber, silicone and other elastomeric materials meet the requirements established for a particular component or application.

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At ACE Laboratories, we provide independent testing and technical support for aerospace polymers and elastomers. Our capabilities cover numerous SAE Aerospace Materials Specifications, including frequently requested specifications such as AMS 7287, AMS 3224, AMS 3207, AMS 3215, AMS 3302 and AMS 3310. Because requirements vary by material, component and application, we review the applicable specification and develop a testing program around its individual callouts.

Testing Materials for Their Aerospace Environments

Distinctive polymers bring different performance advantages to aerospace applications. Silicone materials are often used for external components that encounter significant temperature swings. Nitrile rubber may be selected for components near engines or in areas where resistance to oils and other fluids is essential.

Our aerospace materials testing capabilities include standard physical and mechanical evaluations such as tensile testing and heat aging. Low-temperature performance is especially important for aerospace elastomers. Temperature retraction and low-temperature brittleness testing are included in many aerospace specifications and help establish whether a material will continue to function under extremely cold operating conditions.

We also conduct fluid compatibility testing to evaluate how polymers respond to substances commonly encountered in aerospace applications, including:

  • Jet fuels
  • Hydraulic oils
  • Lubricants and other additives
  • Aircraft deicing fluids

We inventory many critical aerospace specification fluids, helping us initiate testing promptly and deliver the responsive turnaround that manufacturers and suppliers need.

Independent Testing for Material and Supplier Qualification

Customers often come to us with an established AMS callout and a material or component that must be qualified. The need may arise from a formulation change, raw-material substitution, new supplier or change in the supply chain. Vendor qualification has become particularly important as aerospace and military manufacturers respond to increased demand, sourcing restrictions, tariffs and disruptions affecting the availability of critical materials.

As an independent ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, we provide reliable, traceable testing and formal documentation that customers can use in their material qualification and quality-assurance processes. Our team understands the testing protocols associated with commonly requested specifications and can efficiently prepare a testing program when a customer identifies the applicable AMS requirement.

Support Beyond Pass-or-Fail Testing

Aerospace materials testing does not always end with a passing result. When a compound repeatedly fails to satisfy a specification, simply resubmitting it without understanding the underlying problem can consume valuable time and resources.

We can help customers interpret their results and determine why a material is falling short. Our polymer scientists and rubber technologists provide research and development support that may include material characterization, failure analysis, formulation review and compound optimization. If a customer does not yet have a suitable compound, we can also assist with developing or refining one to meet the required performance criteria.

This integrated approach connects standards-based testing with practical materials expertise. Whether you are qualifying an alternate supplier, validating a formulation change, responding to a failed test or developing a new aerospace polymer, we can help move the project from initial testing toward successful qualification.

Contact us to discuss your AMS callout, aerospace material or component and the testing or development support your project requires.

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