AOG Purchasing Blog

C-washers are specialized components in the world of fasteners, playing an important part in providing load distribution in various applications where traditional washers might not be feasible for use. Unlike standard options that feature a fully circular shape, C-washers are characterized by their unique design that resembles the letter "C.” This distinctive shape allows them to be used in more unique situations where typical hardware solutions might be difficult to install or remove. In this guide, we will explore what C-washers are in more detail, focusing on how they work and their common uses across industries.

In the realm of aviation and mechanical engineering, components like shims and washers often remain unnoticed despite their key role in overall operations. While both being small hardware components that appear similar at first glance, shims and washers serve distinct purposes in ensuring the safety, stability, and performance of various assemblies. For those working in the aviation industry, understanding the differences between these two components is essential for making informed decisions during aircraft maintenance, repair, and manufacturing.

Fuel tank corrosion control techniques are crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of aircraft equipment. Corrosion, a natural process that deteriorates metal through chemical reactions with the environment, can compromise the structural integrity of fuel tanks, leading to potential safety hazards and costly repairs. In this blog, we will explore effective corrosion control measures that ensure aircraft reliability and performance.

Aircraft are designed to defy gravity and transport people across the skies, making travel across long distances simple. While people often marvel at the wings, engines, and cockpit of a plane, the landing gear–specifically the nose wheel–plays a critical role in ensuring the safe operation of these airborne giants. To ensure a secure landing and takeoff, landing gear assemblies such as the nose wheel are essential. 

In the world of aviation, engineers and designers are constantly seeking ways to enhance the safety, functionality, and overall experience of air travel. One notable feature that has become a standard in many aircraft designs is the astrodome. The astrodome, also known as the "cabin roof" or "observation dome," is a small window located on the top of an aircraft's fuselage. To learn more above this modern marvel, this blog will explore the reasons behind the incorporation of astrodomes in aircraft designs.

Heat shrinking tubing, also called electrical shrink tubing, are key protective and organizational products used in a wide range of electrical setups. It is often utilized to insulate electrical components from external factors like moisture, dust, abrasion, and sharp objects that can damage wiring and other sensitive components, potentially leading to shorts and failures. Such tubing can also bind loose wires, connectors, joints, terminals, and splices together, creating more organized and manageable bundles. Moreover, color-coded heat shrink tubing is available for ease of identification, separating sections of assembly for easy recognition upon maintenance.

An air suspension system uses an air spring or airbag in lieu of a metal spring to support a vehicle on axles by organizing its airbags. This type of system functions on the principle that compressed air is used to alter the height of the vehicle’s suspension system; in other words, air suspension equipment uses the properties of air to supply a cushioning effect. Airbags in a vehicle are compressed when they come into contact with bumps in the road, and they bounce up and down while permitting the wheels to rotate. To achieve this, they are designed as rubber bladders made from a fabric-reinforced rubber, or a combination of rubber and polyurethane, that contain air. Also referred to as bellows, these particular materials are employed to offer a vehicle structural integrity, an air-tight build, and corrosion resistance. Bellows consist of a column of air that is confined inside a rubber and fabric container.        

As the quality of oil used in aircraft is of critical importance, as oil offers the lubrication, cooling, cleaning, corrosion protection, and many other functions needed for the engine to operate smoothly. As such, it is useful to employ an oil filter to ensure the highest grade of oil for your applications. To ensure no dust particles or other contaminants make their way into your aircraft’s engine, an oil filter removes all unwanted substances from the oil before feeding it to the engine. When deciding on an oil filter for purchase, there are three types available to choose from, those of which we will discuss in further detail below so you may make the choice that best suits your aircraft’s needs.

A centrifugal pump is a pump that uses an impeller to move water or other fluids in a system. These devices are often used for pumping oil and gas, waste management, and agriculture, among many other useful operations. When looking at the variety of centrifugal pumps used, there are several key components that are found in nearly every one of them. These components include the impeller, casing, shaft, shaft sleeves, bearings, and a sealing arrangement. Each of these key parts are discussed here along with some general information to know about centrifugal pumps.

A waterjet cutter, or simply “water jet,” is an industrial tool that is capable of cutting a wide variety of materials using a high-pressure jet of water. There are also abrasive jets which use a mix of water with an abrasive substance such as garnet or aluminum oxide to cut into hard substances like metal, stone, and glass. Water jets are often chosen for their ability to cut materials that are sensitive to high temperatures which can result from carrying out other cutting methods. They are also capable of making highly precise cuts and are commonly used in the fabrication of machine parts. In this blog, we will discuss the various uses and benefits of water jet cutters and how they work.