Considerations in Parts and Assemblies Manufacturing
Hydraulics and actuation in aerospace systems handle some of the most critical functions of an aircraft, working together to enable flight control, operate landing gear and braking, and regulate onboard mechanical operations – among other important components and functions. These complex assemblies are designed to convert energy into movement, and work behind the scenes and ensure everything operates with precision.
Uncompromising Precision and Reliability for Aerospace Systems
The reliable function and controlled motion of any aircraft lies within the hydraulics and actuation systems – and the performance of these systems begins with how they are manufactured.
This article will explain the considerations of OEMs and tiered suppliers when sourcing parts and assemblies for hydraulics and actuation systems, and how Primus Aerospace is able to guarantee the highest precision, performance, and quality of these systems as a trusted manufacturing partner and supplier. The high-precision parts and assemblies for hydraulics and actuation systems we produce are used in some of the world’s most demanding aerospace and defense platforms.
Let’s take a closer look at the role these components play, and what’s required to manufacture them to the highest standards.
The Role of Hydraulics and Actuation in Aerospace
Hydraulics and actuation systems are essential for translating control inputs into real-world mechanical motion. These systems are used in:
- Flight control surfaces, such as rudders, elevators, and ailerons
- Landing gear, including retraction, extension, and braking
- Thrust vector control for rockets and missiles
- Cargo doors and ramps for military and cargo aircraft
- Canopies, flaps, and spoilers in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms
Hydraulic systems use pressurized fluids to transfer force efficiently, while actuators, which can be hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic, perform the final mechanical movement.
Because of the extreme loads, temperature fluctuations, and safety-critical nature of these functions, it is essential for every component involved to offer exceptional engineering and flawless reliability.
Key Components in Hydraulics and Actuation for Aerospace Systems
Manufacturing hydraulics and actuation systems requires expertise in a range of parts and subassemblies, including:
- Hydraulic manifolds and valves
- Cylinders and pistons
- Rotary and linear actuators
- Brackets, housings, and flanges
- Custom fittings and fasteners
- Sensor integration points and feedback mechanisms
Each of these parts must be machined to tight tolerances and often involve complex geometries, exotic materials, and strict performance specifications. Failure is not an option when these systems are responsible for mission-critical motion and control.
Manufacturing Considerations for Hydraulic and Actuation Components
Producing these components requires a highly controlled and precise manufacturing environment. Any manufacturer should adhere to these key considerations:
- Material Expertise
Materials used in aerospace systems need to withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures, and corrosive environments. We have the highest level of material expertise as we work with aerospace-grade alloys such as titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and high-strength aluminum – each selected based on the application’s mechanical and thermal demands.
- Tight Tolerances and Complex Geometries
To function properly, hydraulics and actuation systems require components with micrometer-level precision. We know there is no room for error – precision means precision. Our advanced 5-axis CNC machining and in-house inspection capabilities ensure every part meets the tightest dimensional and geometric tolerances.
- Surface Treatments and Finishing
Components in hydraulic systems often require specialized coatings or surface treatments to reduce friction, resist corrosion, and extend operational life. We manage anodizing, passivation, hardening, and other finishing processes for the highest-quality performance capabilities of the finished product.
- Assembly and Functional Testing
In addition to precision machining, we offer assembly capabilities to deliver complete actuation and hydraulic subassemblies. We also support functional testing to verify pressure tolerances, sealing, and dynamic performance where required.
- Documentation and Traceability
Every component in an aerospace system must meet rigorous quality assurance standards. We maintain comprehensive documentation, first article inspection (FAI) processes, and full traceability for every part we manufacture.
Why Leading Aerospace and Defense OEMs Trust Primus
With decades of experience supporting aerospace and defense programs, we’re a trusted partner for companies requiring complex hydraulics and actuation components. Our customers rely on us not only for our manufacturing excellence but for our commitment to quality, on-time delivery, and engineering collaboration.
We understand the mission-critical nature of the parts we produce—and we have the infrastructure, technical expertise, and certifications, including AS9100, ITAR, and NADCAP, to meet the industry’s most demanding requirements.
Aircraft operators shouldn’t ever have to consider the hydraulics and actuation systems that are working behind the scenes – those considerations start with Primus and depend on a complex network of precision components that must be manufactured to exacting standards.
