Titanium alloys have become indispensable in contemporary aerospace manufacturing, with Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5 prevailing as the most commonly used material in structural and on-engine applications.

However, European industrialists in the aerospace sector are experiencing ever-increasing difficulties when it comes to ensuring a long-term supply of this material in the face of ongoing global shortages and the increasing instability of trade routes.

Capacity Constraints and Market Pressures

One of the main challenges the European market faces in 2018 is low production capacity at titanium mills. Typically, titanium used in aero applications involves a highly controlled process, and the production is often booked years in advance. Meanwhile, more recently, the sector has encountered an imbalance in supply and demand, as aerospace, defence and oil and gas use of the material is increasing. Also, current political issues weighing on the availability of resources could limit the supply and lead to longer lead times and availability.

Certification Requirements and Sourcing Challenges

Add in certification requirements, and it gets even trickier. The aerospace components made from Ti-6Al-4V will be required to meet specific standards, such as AMS 4928 for titanium alloy forgings or ASTM B348 for titanium bars and billets. These standards set requirements for chemistry, mechanical properties, testing, and quality assurance. This means that, in most cases, you can’t use material from an alternative mill without meeting the standards and gaining approval from the customer.

The Importance of Melt Traceability

Melt traceability is a top-of-mind issue throughout the aerospace industry supply chain. Aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are exacting that 100% of all material tied to finished products can be traced to the melt lot from which it originated. This traceability is required for all things regulatory, quality and risk monitoring associated with the material through its lifecycle in production. Material lacking traceability costs the industry millions by way of expediting, price increases and in some cases outright rejection.

Dual-Source Qualification as a Risk Mitigation Strategy

In an effort to protect against supply chain risk, many aerospace industry organisations seek to qualify additional sources for material specifications. By approving multiple sources for the same material specification, manufacturers help guard against stoppages in production and supply shortages. However, qualification can be time-consuming and resource-intensive when extensive testing, auditing, and validation become necessary.

The Role of European Distributors

European titanium distributors are well-positioned to help close the gap between titanium mills and their end-user customers within the aerospace industry. Distributors typically carry inventory, manage required documentation, and can supply material from certified, approved production sources to companies that need a dependable source of aerospace-grade titanium. A qualified Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5 titanium supplier can make it easier to ensure a secure supply chain and meet stringent industry requirements.

With increasing aerospace production rates, Europe’s OEMs will continue to have a coordinated focus on supply chain efficiency, compliance, traceability, and supply source diversification.