Hurlen Corporation: A Comprehensive Guide to Aerospace Metals Supply
Founded in 1981, Hurlen Corporation has grown from a small minority-owned business in Santa Fe Springs, California, to a leading supplier of aerospace metals. With a strong foothold in the defense, commercial aviation, and space industries, Hurlen is recognized for its quality, reliability, and extensive product offerings. This guide delves into the various aerospace metals supplied by Hurlen, their applications, and the services offered to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
| Type of Metal | Common Applications | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Aircraft structures, components | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant |
| Super Alloys | Jet engines, gas turbines | High strength, heat resistance |
| Stainless Steel | Structural components, fasteners | Corrosion-resistant, durable |
| Titanium | Aircraft frames, engines | Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant |
| Copper | Electrical components, heat exchangers | Excellent conductivity, malleable |
| Nickel Alloys | Marine applications, chemical processing | High-temperature strength, corrosion-resistant |
| Exotic Materials | Specialized aerospace applications | Unique properties tailored for specific needs |
Overview of Hurlen Corporation
Hurlen Corporation operates multiple warehouse facilities in Southern California and Florida, catering to the needs of the aerospace and defense industries. Under the leadership of CEO Jay Hurtado and President Emily Mountcastle, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for clients requiring high-quality aerospace metals. The division Kenig Aerospace, wholly owned by Hurlen, further enhances its capabilities.
Product Offerings
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most widely used materials in the aerospace industry due to its lightweight properties. Hurlen specializes in supplying various forms of aluminum, including:
- Aerospace Grades: 2219, 6061, and 7075
- Applications: Aircraft skins, frames, and internal structures
Super Alloys
Super alloys are critical for high-performance applications, particularly in jet engines and gas turbines. Hurlen offers a range of super alloys known for their durability and heat resistance.
- Common Types: Inconel®, Hastelloy®, and Waspaloy
- Applications: Engine components, combustion chambers
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is essential in aerospace for its strength and resistance to corrosion. Hurlen provides various stainless steel alloys suitable for different applications.
- Common Grades: 304, 316, and 321
- Applications: Structural components, fasteners, and fittings
Titanium
Titanium is favored for aerospace applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Hurlen supplies titanium products in various forms, including plates and bars.
- Applications: Aircraft frames, landing gear, and engine components
Exotic Materials
Hurlen also specializes in sourcing hard-to-find exotic materials tailored to meet specific aerospace requirements.
- Examples: Rhenium, tantalum, and molybdenum
- Applications: Specialized aerospace components and research applications
Value-Added Services
In addition to supplying raw materials, Hurlen Corporation offers a variety of value-added services that enhance the usability of their products. These services include:
- Cutting and Machining: Precision cutting and machining to meet specific dimensions.
- Heat Treating: Process to improve material properties such as strength and toughness.
- Chemical Milling: A process used to remove material from the surface of a part.
- Quality Assurance: Comprehensive testing and inspection services to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Vendor Managed Inventory Services
Hurlen provides vendor-managed inventory programs to streamline supply chain management. These services include:
- Consignment Inventory: Products supplied and paid for only when used.
- Quality Inspection: Ensuring materials meet stringent quality standards before use.
- Kitting: Pre-packaged sets of materials for specific projects.
Market Position
Hurlen is well-positioned in the aerospace metals market, recognized for its quality and reliability. The company meets rigorous standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certifications, ensuring that all products meet the highest quality benchmarks.
| Technical Feature | Aluminum | Super Alloys | Stainless Steel | Titanium | Exotic Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | High | Very High | Moderate | Very High | Varies |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Very High | High | High | Varies |
| Thermal Conductivity | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Varies |
| Availability | Widely Available | Limited | Widely Available | Limited | Specialized |
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Conclusion
Hurlen Corporation has established itself as a premier supplier of aerospace metals, offering a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the needs of the defense and commercial aviation industries. With a commitment to quality and reliability, Hurlen continues to lead the market in providing high-performance materials and value-added services. Their ability to source hard-to-find metals and offer customized solutions makes them a trusted partner for aerospace manufacturers and service providers.
FAQ
What types of metals does Hurlen Corporation supply?
Hurlen Corporation supplies a wide range of metals including aluminum, super alloys, stainless steel, titanium, and exotic materials.
What industries does Hurlen serve?
Hurlen serves the aerospace, aviation, defense, military, and space industries.
What value-added services does Hurlen offer?
Hurlen offers services including cutting, heat treating, chemical milling, quality assurance, and vendor-managed inventory services.
Is Hurlen Corporation certified?
Yes, Hurlen is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, ensuring high-quality standards.
Where are Hurlen’s warehouse facilities located?
Hurlen operates warehouses in Southern California and Florida.
What is Kenig Aerospace?
Kenig Aerospace is a division wholly owned by Hurlen Corporation that specializes in aerospace materials.
What is the significance of AOG delivery?
AOG (Aircraft on Ground) delivery refers to expedited shipping services to minimize aircraft downtime, crucial in the aviation industry.
Can Hurlen source hard-to-find metals?
Yes, Hurlen is renowned for its ability to source hard-to-find quality metals for specialized applications.
What types of alloys does Hurlen provide?
Hurlen provides a variety of alloys including Inconel®, Hastelloy®, titanium alloys, and various aluminum grades.
How can I contact Hurlen Corporation?
You can contact Hurlen Corporation through their website at www.hurlen.com or by phone.
