Before assembly, MC-21 parts undergo an unusual procedure: aluminum elements of the aircraft are treated in baths with sulfuric and chromic acid. This chemical treatment is not for metal destruction, but for creating a protective layer that increases the parts' resistance to corrosion, explained Sergey Topchev, chief metallurgist of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.
Four automatic lines operate at the new electroplating production facility of IAZ. Here, aluminum and titanium alloys are anodized, chemical milling is performed, and protective coatings are applied.
The process is controlled by automation. Sensors constantly monitor the level, temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity of the solutions. The system checks the parameters of the baths, selects a route for each part, and generates a protocol after treatment.
The anodic film provides initial corrosion protection for the part, and after anodizing in sulfuric acid, the part remains matte, the color of aluminum.
After chemical treatment, the part receives primer and enamel. At the same time, some operations that the plant previously outsourced to third-party enterprises in other cities are now performed directly at IAZ.
The production facility was also equipped with an air purification system and automatic control of harmful substances, which helps reduce the impact of chemical processes on the environment.
Earlier, it became known that IAZ assembles one MC-21 per year. The plant received a confirmed contract for the supply of 18 aircraft by the end of 2028.
However, IAZ is making adjustments to the production process to accelerate the pace of aircraft production. One such example was the change in the technological passport for the installation of luminaires, the number of signatures in which was reduced by 40 times.