With the installation of a new underwater ultrasound system at its Aosta headquarters, Cogne Acciai Speciali Spa completes the last piece in its expansion into the aerospace industry. This specialized testing process enables the stainless steel and nickel alloy manufacturer to meet the highest quality standards required by the aerospace sector, expanding its product portfolio.
Since 2014, COGNE has invested heavily in new technologies, techniques, and companies with specialized expertise to establish itself as an aerospace supplier. Ten years after starting this strategic journey and achieving compliance with rigorous industry standards in 2021, COGNE is now ready to realize the full potential of this new sector.
The underwater ultrasound technology enables COGNE to supply products tested to AMS 2154 standards in classes A, AA, and AAA. The system detects even the smallest metallic and gaseous inclusions, as well as structural overlays.
Precision at the Highest Frequency with Ultrasound
COGNE uses the underwater ultrasound technique to inspect rolled and forged bars, as well as round bars, for internal flaws—crucial for aerospace materials that must have a homogeneous, uniform structure. While conventional machines often test only to class B or C, COGNE now offers the precision required by the industry. The company was recently certified under the NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) Scope for ultrasonic testing. “This certification was very important to us,” explains Stefan Lölling, a wire rod and semi-finished product expert at COGNE Edelstahl GmbH. “Since only a few aerospace suppliers invest the time and resources for such certification, it provides us with a clear competitive advantage.” High demand for high-quality aerospace materials has already emerged shortly after commissioning the system. COGNE is currently in the procurement phase for two additional ultrasound systems.
The decision to expand into the aerospace industry was a strategic move. Until recently, COGNE’s main clients were in the automotive industry—a sector subject to strong fluctuations. “We need to evolve to avoid dependency on a single market,” says Stefan Lölling. “The aerospace market is particularly promising, as there is significantly less competition from East Asia.”
