Bonding process helps ‘seal the deal’

A unique unit here is helping keep warfighters flying.

The 574th Composite Repair Flight refurbishes aircraft parts through a process called bonding. The process involves applying adhesive film to parts and then vacuum sealing them to ensure everything stays in place.

The flight is one of only three in the Air Force which performs this type of work.

According to Keith Gurr, bonding is conducted in a “clean facility,” free of contaminants.

“The No. 1 rule is cleanliness. That can make or break you in this world,” he said.

The clean room contains two special HVAC units that control temperature and humidity, and is carefully pressurized so when the door is opened, it pushes out pollutants.

After hand bonding, the parts are placed in a sealed chamber called an autoclave. The autocave applies pressure that exposes the parts to temperatures ranging from 250 to 350 degrees.

Gurr said the entire process creates a surface where everything is stuck together, not only creating a good bond but a much lighter surface in the end.

The flight currently has two autoclaves and is expected to receive a third one in the near future.

HHJ News