Food & Beverage
A valued quality of stainless steel is its non-permeability. This makes it easy to clean and sanitize, which is necessary for companies in the food manufacturing industry.
Aerospace Grade Aluminum & Stainless Steel
At Great Lakes Specialty Metals, we take pride in serving the aerospace and defense industry with precision-crafted specialty metals for the defense industry tailored to meet the rigorous demands of this sector. With our unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, we provide a comprehensive range of specialty metal products essential for aerospace and defense applications, as an AS9100-certified supplier of aerospace grade aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium — serving fabricators, machine shops, and defense contractors nationwide.
Explore How Our Specialty Metals Contribute to the Success of the Aerospace and Defense Industry
- Precision Components: Our specialty metals are utilized in the manufacturing of precision components for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and defense systems. From structural elements to critical engine components, our materials offer exceptional strength, durability, and performance under extreme conditions.
- Structural Elements: We supply specialty metals for the construction of aerospace structures, including airframes, wings, fuselages, and landing gear. Our materials are engineered to provide optimal strength-to-weight ratios, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of aerospace vehicles.
- Engine Components: Our specialty metals play a vital role in the production of engine components for aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems. From turbine blades to combustion chambers, our materials offer superior heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties, ensuring reliable and efficient engine performance.
- Avionics and Electronics: We provide specialty metals essential for the manufacturing of avionics and electronic components used in aircraft navigation, communication, and control systems. Our materials offer excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic shielding properties, meeting the stringent requirements of aerospace electronics.
- Defense Systems: Our specialty metals are integral to the production of defense systems, including radar systems, weapons platforms, armored vehicles, and ballistic protection systems. With our materials’ exceptional durability and ballistic performance, we help enhance the effectiveness and survivability of defense systems in challenging environments.
At Great Lakes Specialty Metals, we understand the critical importance of precision, reliability, and performance in the aerospace and defense industry. That’s why we are dedicated to providing top-quality specialty metal solutions that meet the industry’s highest standards and specifications. Partner with us for your aerospace and defense metal needs and experience unparalleled quality and service.
Why Aerospace & Defense Fabricators Choose Great Lakes Specialty Metals
- AS9100-certified quality system, with full material traceability on every order
- A dedicated fleet delivering next-day (or same-day, in special situations) to the Chicagoland area, Wisconsin, and Indiana
- Nationwide shipping for defense primes and fabricators outside our regional footprint
- Domestic melt and DFARS-compliant material sourcing options for defense and government contracts
- Hundreds of grades and shapes in stock, with global sourcing for anything we don’t carry
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades of stainless steel and aluminum are used in aerospace and defense manufacturing?
Aerospace and defense manufacturers commonly use 17-4 and 347 stainless steel for engine parts, landing gear, and high-temperature components, along with 6061 aluminum for airframes and structural parts. Nickel alloys like Inconel and titanium are also used where heat resistance and strength-to-weight ratios are critical.
Is Great Lakes Specialty Metals AS9100 certified?
Yes. Great Lakes Specialty Metals holds AS9100 certification, the quality management standard specific to aerospace manufacturing. This certification ensures every order is processed with documented traceability, consistent quality control, and precision handling — meeting the rigorous standards required by aerospace and defense customers nationwide.
What is aerospace grade aluminum?
Aerospace grade aluminum refers to aluminum alloys engineered for high strength-to-weight ratios and durability under extreme conditions, such as 6061. These alloys are used in airframes, structural components, and other aircraft and spacecraft applications where weight savings and structural integrity are both essential.
What value-added services are available for aerospace and defense metal orders?
Great Lakes Specialty Metals offers precision saw-cutting, heat treatment, grinding, custom extrusions, in-house hardness testing, and stocking programs for aerospace and defense customers. These services help fabricators and manufacturers receive material that’s already processed to spec, reducing lead times and secondary handling.
Can Great Lakes Specialty Metals supply DFARS-compliant metal for defense contracts?
Yes. Great Lakes Specialty Metals offers domestic melt and DFARS-compliant material sourcing options, which are often required for government and defense-prime contracts. Customers should confirm specific compliance documentation needs for their project when requesting a quote.
Quick Metal Conversion Tool
Easily convert steel measurements and estimate weight with our Conversion & Weight Calculator.
Added Value for the Defense and Aerospace Industries
When it comes to your sub-contractors’ demand for top-tier metal products, we’ve got you covered. As your trusted aerospace stainless steel supplier in Illinois, we offer a range of added-value services including precision saw-cutting, heat treatment, grinding, stocking programs, and more.
Reach out to Request a Quote
Great Lakes Specialty Metals caters to clients nationwide, providing specialty alloys specifically tailored for the defense industry. Our dedicated local fleet serves the greater Chicago, Illinois area, as well as southern Wisconsin, northern Indiana, and surrounding regions. Contact us today to request your personalized quote.
Other Industries Served
Our expert staff helps customers across the country and across numerous industries find the stainless steel, aluminum, brass, nickel alloy and specialty metal products they need.
Energy
At Great Lakes Specialty Metals, we offer a variety of specialty metal products for the energy industry. With an expansive selection of products plus value-added services, we deliver high-quality materials tailored to your applications.
Automotive & Marine
Our dedicated team at Great Lakes Specialty Metals understands that exceptional service and on-time delivery are important, so let us help solidify your supply chain.
saw cutting, cut to size plate, sheared to size sheet and more
We Offer a Variety of Quality Production Cutting Services
Material Sourcing Experts
We stock hundreds of items across a variety of metals, grades and shapes. If we don’t have it, we have the team and resources you need to source material from around the world.
Our Metal Shapes
In our extensive inventory we carry rounds, flats, hexes, squares, angles (equal and unequal leg), sheet (both 2B and #4 polished), pipe, plate and all varieties of tubing (round, square and rectangular). If not in stock, we can locate it for you.