JG-PP Chromium Electroplating Alternatives for Landing Gear Main Page

Chromium Electroplating Alternatives for Landing Gear
Partnering with HCAT
Project Number: S-98-MF-011
Completed in 2004

JG-PP partnered with the ESTCP and the Canadian DND to demonstrate/validate this project. The goal of ESTCP is to demonstrate and validate promising, innovative technologies/processes/
materials that target the DoD's most urgent environmental needs. By use of a coordinated effort, ESTCP advances can lead to successful JG-PP technology transitions that will provide cost effective, environmental technology solutions for both the DoD and the U.S. industrial base. Visit the ESTCP website for additional information on the project's purpose, description and benefits.

The objective of the Chromium Electroplating Alternatives for Landing Gear project is to reduce or eliminate EHC plating operations by validating and implementing HVOF thermal spray coatings. Other objectives of this project are to demonstrate reduced repair turnaround time for landing gear, and to decrease the coated components repair frequency by demonstrating superior performance of the HVOF coatings. JG-PP partnered with the HCAT on this project. The OEM leads include Messier-Dowty, B.F. Goodrich Corporation, FRC-E) (fka NADEP Cherry Point, and FRC-SE (fka NADEP Jacksonville) and OO-ALC represented DoD depots.

The DoD and Canada DND considered WC/Co and WC/CoCr as coatings to be applied by HVOF thermal spraying. Other alternatives, such as Tribaloy® 400, had also been considered in the initial efforts of this program. A qualified alternative material will reduce the use of hexavalent chromium during landing gear manufacture or repair at Messier-Dowty, B.F. Goodrich Corporation, Heroux, NADEP Cherry Point, NADEP Jacksonville, NADEP North Island, and OO-ALC. Twenty-nine DoD programs are affected by this project.

Based on material test results, HVOF coatings (WC/17Co and WC/10Co4Cr) performed equal to or superior to EHC coatings. However, a coating delaminting issue at ultra-high stress hinders full DoD implementation for this application (see final report for details).

Currently the USAF and OEMs are transitioning the technology to existing and new airframe workloads where applicable. The technology is also being considered baseline for future air-frames. USN has issued an Implementation Guidance Document dated 21 March 2005 to assist with its transition of the technology.