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As inconspicuous as they may seem, titanium alloy fasteners are fundamental to the successful docking of Shenzhou VIII spacecraft with Tiangong-1 space lab module. For years, titanium alloy has been the weak link constraining the development of high-end fasteners. Capitalizing on its superb manufacturing capabilities, China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp (CASIC) has produced high-end fasteners that hold up China's space dream.
Under the direct management of CASIC, Aerospace Precision Products Co. Ltd (APP) is a high-tech corporation that specializes in the production of high-end and common fasteners. With excellent R&D capabilities and insistence on superior quality, APP was chosen for the provision of quality fasteners for China's manned spaceflight projects. From Shenzhou Ⅰto Shenzhou VIII spacecraft, APP has supplied most of the fasteners for spaceflight projects, covering hundreds of types. For instance: 90% of titanium ally screws and bolts, 100% of titanium alloy ring-grooved lockbolts, niobium-titanium lockbolts, rivet nuts, etc were provided by APP.
The fasteners provided by APP for Tiangong-1 space lab employs a cutting-edge titanium alloy technology which is widely adopted by new spacecraft models around the world.
Due to high friction coefficient, titanium alloy has a higher wear-out effect on cutting and molding tools, resulting in their short life. Demanding requirements about product shape, quality and mechanical properties, coupled with possible hydrogen-oxygen contamination, create additional technical uncertainties during production of titanium alloy.
Capitalizing on the technical strength of CASIC Standard Fastener R&D Center, APP set up a titanium alloy task force composed of the most experienced experts, skilled technicians and knowledgeable technical consultants.
The task force meticulously tracked every production procedure, conducted thorough diagnosis of problems, resolved a series of key issues including design of forming and molding tools, heat treatment of titanium alloy, precision processing of fasteners, rolling of high-intensity titanium lockbolts and high cycle fatigue research. These breakthroughs have improved product quality and reduced reliance on European & American technology and imports. APP played a crucial role in domestic production of high-quality titanium alloy fasteners.
As the provider of high-end fasteners for manned spaceflights, Chang'e lunar probe and domestic aircraft, APP inherits the pioneering spirit of China Aerospace and is determined to show the world the state-of-art manufacturing capabilities of China.
