Defence Alloys: Your Trusted Supplier for Defence Grade Materials
Whatever your defence material needs, with our industry experience and processing expertise, you can rely on us to meet the most stringent defence application requirements
Available in strip and wire
Defence Alloys: Your Trusted Supplier for Defence Grade Materials.
Discover the Knight Group’s range of tailored defence alloys, including, stainless steel, nickel-based superalloys, cobalt alloys, titanium and more. We are an established supplier to the defence industry, committed to providing the defence sector with customised materials solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and performance. We hold a number of customer approvals in addition to internationally recognised standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 9120 rev A, and ISO 9100.
Key Materials for Defence Applications:
Alloy 201 / N02201
Alloy 200
HAYNES® 230 N06230
WASPALOY / 2.4654 / N07001
Alloy K-500 / MONEL® K500 / N05500
Alloy X / HASTELLOY® X / 2.4665 / N06002
Alloy 600 / INCONEL® 600 / 2.4816 / N06600
Alloy 625 / INCONEL® 625 / 2.4856/ N06625
Alloy C 276 /HASTELLOY® C-276 / 2.4819 / N10276
Alloy 718 / INCONEL® 718 / 2.4668/ N07718
Alloy X750 / INCONEL® X-750 / N07750
INCOLOY® A-286 / 1.4980 /S66286
N07090 / Nimonic® 90
Alloy 400 / MONEL® 400 / 2.4360/2.4361 / N04400
Haynes® 233 / Nickel 233 Alloy / N02233
WASPALOY / 2.4654 / N07001
ELGILOY® / 2.4711 / R30003
MP35N® / 2.4999 / R30035
Haynes® 25 / L605 / 2.4964 / 2.4967 / R30605
304 / 1.4301 / S 30400
304L / 1.4307 / S 30403
316 / 1.4401 / 1.4436 / S 31600
316L / 1.4404 / 1.4432 / S 31603
321 / 1.4541 / S 32100
ALLOY 20 / 2.4660 / N08020
904L / 1.4539 / N 08904
Nitronic® 50 (XM-19) / 1.3964 / S 20910
254 SMO® / 1.4547 / S 31254
AL6XN / N08367
Incoloy® 25-6MO Alloy / 1.4529 / N08926
410 / 1.4006 / S 41000
420 / 1.4028 / S 42000
17-4PH / 1.4542
17-7 PH / 1.4568 / S17700
347 / 1.4550 / S 34700
420 / 1.4021 / S 42000
2205 / 1.4462 / S 32205
2304 / 1.4362 / S 32304
2507 / 1.4410 / S 32750
(LDX) 2101 / 1.4162 / S 32101
1350 / AW-1350 / A91350
2024 / AW-2024 / A92024
6061 / AW-6061 / A96061
6082 / AW-6082 / A96082
Product Range
Strip and Foil
Foil: 0.010mm to 0.3mm (0.00039″ – 0.0118″)
Strip: 0.1 mm to 3 mm (0.0039″ – 0.1181″)
Thickness Tolerance (Standard): +/-10%
Widths from 1.0 mm up to 1250 mm
Width Tolerance (Standard): +/- 0.127mm (0.005″)
Other sizes available by request
Stainless Steel Wire
Round Wire: 0.15mm to 6mm
Flat Wire: Widths from 0.25mm to 6.0mm Thickness from 0.08mm to 2.60mm
Shaped Wire: Soft Materials up 4mm² / Hard Materials up to 3mm²
(Custom Shapes by request)
Stranded Wire and Overbraid Wire
Other sizes available by request
Defence Industry Expertise
The defence sector encompasses a vast array of operations and applications critical to national security and global stability. From advanced military equipment to infrastructure and communications technology, the materials used in defence applications must meet extraordinarily high standards for durability, performance, and reliability under extreme conditions. Understanding the complexities and nuanced requirements of the defence industry is crucial to ensure solutions can support and enhance operational effectiveness, and above all else, protect lives.
Across both its strip and wire divisions, the Knight Group is an established key supplier to manufacturers within the defence sector. As specialists in the supply of defence-grade alloys, including stainless steel, performance nickel-based alloys and aluminium, we understand the critical importance of material performance and reliability in defence applications and the implications of failure to meet stringent sector requirements. With over 80 years of supply chain experience, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous quality control processes, state-of-the-art facilities, and continuous innovation within the precision metal supply chain. We offer a wide range of materials specifically engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of defence applications, ensuring the safety and success of defence missions.
Our customers trust us because our alloys are sourced from the highest-quality industry-approved mills to ensure they meet defence specifications. Our experienced procurement, sales, and processing teams each have extensive experience and knowledge working with defence manufacturers. We are focused on meeting customer needs regarding material performance, reliability, and supply chain assurance. We only work within recognised industry standards to ensure we can offer our customers the very best bespoke service every single time. Having achieved many accreditations and approvals, we have become a trusted supplier of defence-grade alloys.
Our Aerospace and Defence Customers include:
Airbus
BAE Systems
Boeing
Collins Aerospace
Rolls Royce
Eaton Ltd
GE Aviation
GKN Aerospace
Safran
Meggitt
MOD
Senior
Defence Alloy Material Requirements:
The defence sector requires materials that meet extremely precise specifications and exhibit exceptional performance under challenging conditions. Our defence precision alloy range includes an array of high-strength, corrosion-resistant, high-temperature alloys suited to the sector’s extreme operating conditions. Advanced alloy grades continue to be developed to improve performance and meet the dynamic needs of modern defence systems. We work in close partnership with mills to ensure our product range includes the latest innovations in alloy development.
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Materials must provide the utmost strength while minimising weight to enhance fuel efficiency and payload capabilities for aircraft and reduce load for defence equipment.
- Corrosion Resistance: Components must resist corrosion due to exposure to moisture, saltwater, and harsh chemicals, extending the life of the equipment and reducing maintenance.
- Temperature Resistance: Metals must maintain their structural integrity and mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, from the cold experienced at high altitudes to the intense heat generated by engines and friction.
- Fatigue Resistance: The ability to endure repeated stress cycles without failure is crucial for parts that are subject to constant vibrations and loading, such as those found in aircraft wings and rotor blades.
- Toughness: Metals should be able to absorb and dissipate energy from impacts and shocks, which is critical for both military applications and the safety of aerospace endeavours.
- Wear Resistance: Materials must withstand abrasive conditions and maintain functionality over time, especially for moving parts such as bearings, gears, and engine components.
- Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Efficient transmission of electricity and heat is paramount for electrical systems and thermal management in both aerospace and defence platforms.
- Ductility and Formability: Metals need to be adaptable to various manufacturing processes, including extrusion, forging, and precision machining, allowing for creating complex shapes and designs.
Low Magnetic Permeability: For specific applications, materials must not interfere with magnetic fields, which can affect navigation systems and other sensitive electronic equipment.
- Superalloys: For unique applications requiring materials with specific properties, we offer customised solutions designed to meet precise defence specifications. Nickel alloys are essential in defence applications due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance. They are commonly found in applications such as naval ships, submarines, military aircraft, and missiles.
- Stainless Steel: These materials must often meet rigorous specifications to ensure reliability in harsh environments. Our stainless steel solutions provide unmatched durability and resistance to extreme conditions, making them suitable for a variety of defence applications, from weaponry to infrastructure.
- Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Titanium is extensively utilised in defence applications due to its high strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion resistance. These properties make them especially valuable in environments where performance and durability are critical under extreme conditions. Our titanium materials are ideal for military aircraft applications, armoured vehicles, and naval ships.
- Aluminium Alloys: Lightweight yet durable, our aluminium alloys contribute to enhanced mobility and fuel efficiency in military vehicles and aircraft.
- Copper Alloys: Essential for electrical systems and heat dissipation, our copper-based materials ensure the reliability and performance of critical defence electronics.
Key Material Characteristics for Defence Applications:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Materials must provide the utmost strength while minimising weight to enhance fuel efficiency and payload capabilities for aircraft and reduce load for defence equipment.
- Corrosion Resistance: Components must resist corrosion due to exposure to moisture, saltwater, and harsh chemicals, extending the life of the equipment and reducing maintenance.
- Temperature Resistance: Metals must maintain their structural integrity and mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, from the cold experienced at high altitudes to the intense heat generated by engines and friction.
- Fatigue Resistance: The ability to endure repeated stress cycles without failure is crucial for parts that are subject to constant vibrations and loading, such as those found in aircraft wings and rotor blades.
- Toughness: Metals should be able to absorb and dissipate energy from impacts and shocks, which is critical for both military applications and the safety of aerospace endeavours.
- Wear Resistance: Materials must withstand abrasive conditions and maintain functionality over time, especially for moving parts such as bearings, gears, and engine components.
- Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Efficient transmission of electricity and heat is paramount for electrical systems and thermal management in both aerospace and defence platforms.
- Ductility and Formability: Metals need to be adaptable to various manufacturing processes, including extrusion, forging, and precision machining, allowing for creating complex shapes and designs.
Low Magnetic Permeability: For specific applications, materials must not interfere with magnetic fields, which can affect navigation systems and other sensitive electronic equipment.
Key material groups for military applications include:
- Superalloys: For unique applications requiring materials with specific properties, we offer customised solutions designed to meet precise defence specifications. Nickel alloys are essential in defence applications due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance. They are commonly found in applications such as naval ships, submarines, military aircraft, and missiles.
- Stainless Steel: These materials must often meet rigorous specifications to ensure reliability in harsh environments. Our stainless steel solutions provide unmatched durability and resistance to extreme conditions, making them suitable for a variety of defence applications, from weaponry to infrastructure.
- Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Titanium is extensively utilised in defence applications due to its high strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion resistance. These properties make them especially valuable in environments where performance and durability are critical under extreme conditions. Our titanium materials are ideal for military aircraft applications, armoured vehicles, and naval ships.
- Aluminium Alloys: Lightweight yet durable, our aluminium alloys contribute to enhanced mobility and fuel efficiency in military vehicles and aircraft.
- Copper Alloys: Essential for electrical systems and heat dissipation, our copper-based materials ensure the reliability and performance of critical defence electronics.
Why choose us as your defence alloy supplier?
Partnering for a Secure Future
By choosing the Knight Group as your defence materials supplier, you benefit from our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Together, we can contribute to the development of defence technologies that protect nations and safeguard the future.
Quality Standards for Aerospace and Defence: We adhere to stringent industry guidelines to ensure reliability for critical applications. The Knight Group, are committed to excellence and hold internationally recognised standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 9120 rev A, and ISO 9100.
Industry Experience and Approvals: With 80+ years of experience, we are a trusted supplier in the aerospace and defence supply chain. Customers rely on our technical expertise, and we collaborate closely with Tier 1 to Tier 3 suppliers to meet stringent OEM requirements. Our numerous customer approvals for Aerospace and Defence OEMs ensure our products meet the highest quality and industry standards.
Trusted Supply Chain with Full Traceability: As one of the largest independent suppliers and processors of precision metals in Europe, we are an established and trusted global partner on both sides of the supply chain. We have successfully negotiated exclusive agreements with a number of high-profile mills, including Eligiloy Special Metals, Nippon Kinzoku and Ametek Specialty Metal Products. Our aerospace and defence products are identified and certified to the appropriate specifications and are fully traceable to the mill source.
Stockholding: Knight Group customers benefit from our large volume of high-quality stock held across three European facilities. With over 5000 items ready for fast dispatch, we cater to both small orders and full-scale production. Our four in-house production facilities enable us to customise solutions to your exact specifications with minimal lead times.
Custom Processing Solutions: We understand projects have unique requirements. With multiple production sites, diverse processing options, and an expert team, we develop customised solutions for your specific needs. We specialise in delivering consistent, machine-ready products that meet tight deadlines and ensure uninterrupted production.
Technical Support and Services: Beyond material supply, the Knight Group offers comprehensive technical support and value-added services to ensure the success of your projects. Our team of experts is available to assist with optimal material selection, and custom processing, making us a full-service partner in your defence endeavours.
Just In Time Supply: Our porcessing capability ensures that we can offer quick turnaround times even for custom solutions, thanks to our extensive stock of precision strips and wire. Our fully equipped tool room produces standard and custom springs and pressed components to exacting standards. We work with you to meet strict deadlines and ensure timely delivery of ready-to-use products.
Competitive Pricing, Low MOQs and Short Lead Times: We cater for small order quantities and prototyping requirements, so you don’t need to order or store more than you need. We can process materials in-house to your specifications to ensure minimal lead times.
Related Products
We also produce numerous special products for the aerospace and defence applications including:
Aircraft control cables
Braid protection for conductive copper cable
Defence Applications for Precision Strip and Wire
Exhaust systems
Turbine blades, discs and rings
Springs
Fasteners
Engine components
Landing gear
Compressors
Comprehensive FAQ Guide for Defence Grades and Processing
Aerospace locking wire is a crucial component in industries where safety is paramount. It offers increased safety, durability, and reduced maintenance costs. This comprehensive FAQ guide will address the most commonly asked questions about aerospace locking wire.
We hope this comprehensive FAQ guide will answer all your questions about precision metal product range and services relating to the defence sector. If you require further assistance or would like to place an order, you can use contact form, +44 (0)1707 650251 or salesenquiries@knight-group.co.uk
The Knight Group material range and processing capability have been developed to support a wide range of defence applications, including but not limited to:
- Armoured vehicles
- Aerospace components
- Naval ships
- Naval components
- Missile systems
- Communication equipment
- Heat exchangers
- High power batteries
- Afterbuners
- Radar Equipment
- High performance actuation
- Personal protective gear.
Quality assurance is integral to our operations. We employ rigorous and non-destructive evaluation, to ensure that our materials meet the highest quality standards demanded by the defence sector. We hold a number of recognised industry approvals, as well as ISO 9001, ISO 9120 REV A and 9100. For full details and copies of our certification, visit our dedicated Approvals page or contact one of dedicated team for further instance on our contact form, +44 (0)1707 650251 or salesenquiries@knight-group.co.uk
Further testing and inspection protocols, including chemical analysis, mechanical testing are available by request, prior to order placement.
You can purchase high-quality precision strip and wire from our dedicated strip division, Knight Strip Metals Ltd, or Knight Precision Wire, our dedicated precision wire specialists.
We supply over 160 unique alloy grades including the most popular alloys used for defence applications.
We offer free quotations on your individual product and processing requirements and can provide expert advice on selecting the material for your application. To find out more, use our contact form, telephone us on +44 (0)1707 650251 or email our expert sales at salesenquiries@knight-group.co.uk
Safety locking wire, also known as aerospace safety locking wire, is a soft annealed wire used to secure nuts, bolts, and components in aerospace, marine, automotive, and industrial sectors. It prevents fasteners from shaking loose or falling out due to wear and tear, vibration, and corrosion. The wire is made of malleable stainless steel or nickel alloy, passed through small holes on the fastener, looped back on itself, and fixed to an anchor point (which can be another fastener). Twisting the safety lock wire creates tension on this fixed loop, preventing the fasteners from shaking loose and falling out.
Key Features:
- Made from durable and corrosion-resistant materials
- Flexible and malleable for easy installation
- Able to withstand high levels of vibration and wear
- Compliant with international specifications and standards
Safety locking wire is primarily made from:
- Stainless Steel alloys: 304 (1.4301), 316 (1.4401 / 1.4436 ), 321 (1.4541)
- Nickel alloys: Monel (Alloy 400), Inconel (Alloy 600)
- Copper
Safety locking wire is typically produced according to international specifications.
At the Knight Group, we work to the following specification:
- DTD189A
- MS20995C, QQ-W-423
- MS20995NC, QQ-W-281
- MS20995N, QQ-W-390
- MS20995Cu, QQ-W-343F
All data is provided for informational purposes only. In no event will the Knight Group and its subsidiaries, be liable for in respect of any action taken by any third party arising from using the information taken from our online or printed sources. Chemical and Mechanical Properties should not be construed as maximum or minimum values for specifications, nor should information be used to assess suitability for a particular use or application. The information and data provided is deemed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge and may be revised anytime without notice and assume no duty to update