aeronautics
The aeronautics and aerospace sector demands the highest standards of quality, precision, and traceability. At ProtoSpain, we master advanced manufacturing technologies that enable the development of everything from functional prototypes to small production runs of critical aviation components, ensuring dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, and surface finishes that comply with the most stringent industry regulations.
Why Aerospace Prototyping Requires Maximum Specialization
Aeronautical components present unique challenges that go beyond conventional industrial prototyping. Parts must withstand extreme conditions of temperature, vibration, pressure, and fatigue while maintaining dimensional tolerances below ±0.05 mm and specific surface finishes that prevent corrosion and premature wear.
Manufacturing prototypes for functional validation involves working with certified aerospace-grade materials—7075-T6 and 2025 aluminum alloys, Ti6Al4V titanium, 316L stainless steel, Inconel 718—which exhibit complex machining characteristics such as low thermal conductivity, high cutting resistance, and work-hardening tendencies.
In addition, each part requires full traceability from raw material to finished component, including material certificates, dimensional inspection reports, and surface treatment documentation to ensure compliance with standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001:2015, and specifications from authorities such as EASA.
From Prototype to Production Validation
High-Precision CNC Machining for Aerospace Components
3- and 5-axis CNC machining is the core technology for manufacturing structural brackets, engine mounts, landing gear components, and cabin elements with the tolerances and surface finishes required in aeronautics.
Prototypes for the aerospace sector
Certified aerospace materials:
7075-T6 aluminum provides the best strength-to-weight ratio for structural components not exposed to extreme temperatures. Ti6Al4V titanium alloys deliver exceptional strength at 40% lower density than steel, ideal for engine parts and primary structures.
For high-temperature turbine engine applications, Inconel 718 maintains mechanical properties up to 650°C, while 316L stainless steel ensures corrosion resistance in marine or humid environments.
Aerospace-specific technical capabilities:
Simultaneous 5-axis milling for complex aerodynamic geometries, avoiding multiple setups and improving dimensional accuracy
Guaranteed tolerances of ±0.02–0.05 mm on critical features through CMM inspection and continuous tooling calibration
Thin-wall machining using optimized fixturing and cutting strategies that minimize vibration and deformation
Surface roughness Ra 0.8–1.6 µm directly from machining, with fine polishing options down to Ra 0.4 µm for critical contact areas
Experts in aerospace prototyping
7075-T6 aluminum provides the best strength-to-weight ratio for structural components not exposed to extreme temperatures. Ti6Al4V titanium alloys deliver exceptional strength at 40% lower density than steel, ideal for engine parts and primary structures.
For high-temperature turbine engine applications, Inconel 718 maintains mechanical properties up to 650°C, while 316L stainless steel ensures corrosion resistance in marine or humid environments.
We manufacture avionics support brackets in 7075-T6 aluminum, 5-axis machined with ±0.03 mm positional tolerances critical for electronic equipment assembly. For landing gear prototype components in Ti6Al4V titanium, we optimize cutting paths to prevent overheating and ensure structural integrity.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) transforms aerospace prototyping by enabling topologically optimized organic geometries, high-strength lattice structures with minimal weight, and internal cooling channels that cannot be machined.
DMLS advantages in aerospace applications:
- Topology optimization: 40–60% weight reduction while maintaining structural stiffness through generative design
- Component consolidation: integration of multiple parts into a single component, eliminating assembly operations and potential failure points
- Conformal cooling geometries: optimized internal channels for thermal management in engine components
- Full design freedom: organic shapes, undercuts, and complex geometries without cost penalties
Available metal materials:
AlSi10Mg for lightweight structural prototypes, Ti6Al4V for engine components and primary structures, and Inconel 718 for high-temperature applications certified to aerospace specifications.
Real-world applications:
We prototyped a fluid distribution manifold in Inconel 718 with computationally optimized internal channels, reducing weight by 55% compared to a traditionally machined design. For aerospace brackets in Ti6Al4V titanium, optimized topology achieved identical stiffness with 47% less mass.
Contenido del acordeón
Structural and Performance Testing
Functional aerospace prototypes must pass exhaustive validation to demonstrate behavior under real loads, fatigue resistance, structural integrity, and compliance with airworthiness regulations.
We manufacture prototypes specifically for:
- Static load testing: structural components with production-identical tolerances and materials
- Cyclic fatigue testing: certified material parts for service-life characterization under repetitive loads
- CMM dimensional validation: full 3D inspection with AS9100-compliant reports
- Assembly testing: functional assemblies verifying fits, interferences, and assembly sequences
Aerospace traceability and documentation:
Each prototype includes material certificates with full batch traceability, CMM dimensional reports, surface treatment documentation, and manufacturing parameter records to ensure production repeatability.
Surface treatments for aerospace components serve critical functions beyond aesthetics: corrosion protection in saline environments, prevention of fretting and galling in contact zones, electrical insulation, and surface preparation for paint and protective coatings.
Type II and Type III Anodizing for Aluminum Alloys
Sulfuric acid anodizing (Type II) produces oxide layers of 5–25 µm providing corrosion protection and an excellent base for subsequent painting. Hard anodizing (Type III) creates 25–100 µm coatings with 400–700 HV hardness, exceptional wear resistance, and electrical insulation properties.
Aerospace specifications:
Anodizing complies with MIL-A-8625 requirements for aviation components, with sealing options for corrosive environments and dyeing in specific colors for identification or aesthetic needs.
Chromic acid anodizing (Type I), although producing thinner layers (0.5–2.5 µm), offers minimal dimensional impact and excellent paint adhesion, making it ideal for welded parts and components requiring subsequent coatings.
Chrome Plating and High-Hardness Coatings
Electrolytic chrome plating provides extremely hard coatings (800–1000 HV) with thicknesses of 20–40 µm, ideal for wear protection in actuator rods, shafts, and landing gear mechanisms.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coatings generate TiN, CrN, or DLC layers of 1–5 µm with hardness up to 2500 HV, exceptional temperature resistance, and ultra-low friction, suitable for aerospace assembly tooling and engine components.
Passivation and Corrosion Protection
El pasivado químico de aceros inoxidables elimina hierro libre superficial y genera capa protectora que previene Chemical passivation of stainless steels removes free surface iron and creates a protective layer that prevents corrosion—critical for hydraulic components, fuel systems, and structures exposed to humidity.
For titanium and special alloys, nitriding and thermal oxidation treatments improve wear resistance and surface fatigue life, extending service life in high-demand applications.
Aerospace Paints and Protective Coatings
Multilayer paint systems (primer–base–topcoat) comply with MIL-PRF or AMS specifications for resistance to UV radiation, aggressive chemical environments, extreme thermal variations, and particle abrasion.
We apply epoxy, polyurethane, and specialized coating systems that ensure adhesion, flexibility, and durability according to component requirements, with full process documentation and verified thickness control.
Experience in regulated sectors: full understanding of aerospace documentation, traceability, and certification requirements
Certified aerospace-grade materials: exclusively qualified alloys with verifiable mechanical properties and complete traceability
Aeronautical dimensional tolerances: ±0.02–0.05 mm precision ensured through CNC machining and CMM quality control
Specialized surface treatments: anodizing per MIL-A-8625, chrome plating, passivation, and PVD coatings applied to aerospace standards
Speed without compromising quality: 10–14 days for machined prototypes and 10–18 days for short series via casting or injection
Specialized technical consulting: manufacturability analysis, DFM optimization, and material/finish recommendations
Structural brackets in 7075-T6 aluminum for avionics systems, 5-axis machined with ±0.03 mm positional tolerances, black Type II anodizing, and full dimensional certification
Landing gear components in Ti6Al4V titanium produced by DMLS with topology optimization reducing weight by 45% while maintaining structural strength, with passivation treatment
Short runs of cabin interior panels via vacuum casting in ABS-like polyurethane, specific RAL paint finish, 25 units for pre-certification design validation
Hydraulic valves in 316L stainless steel with IT7 tolerances on sealing surfaces, aerospace-spec passivation, and leak testing
Do you need to manufacture functional prototypes or short production runs of aeronautical components with certification, traceability, and aerospace-grade surface treatments?
Our engineering team analyzes your design, recommends certified materials, optimizes
manufacturability, and provides a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
Contact our aerospace specialists and accelerate your project development with the quality and precision the aeronautical sector demands.

