Aerospace Applications

Aerospace and spaceflight operations rely on durable, precisely fabricated materials to support both production and infrastructure. Common applications include:
- Maintenance platforms and service walkways in aircraft hangars
- Elevated platforms, catwalks, crossover systems, and mezzanines in manufacturing plants
- Ground support structures at launch facilities and spaceports
- Equipment enclosures and protective barriers
- Ventilation panels and airflow control systems
- Filtration and screening components for specialized processes
- Safety barriers, railing infill panels, and machine guards
- Stair systems, ladder rungs, and inspection pathways
These applications often involve strict safety requirements, weight considerations, and exposure to outdoor or high-performance environments.
Application Links
Industrial walkways – Industrial safety flooring – Trench covers – Pedestrian walkways – ADA walking surfaces – Platforms – Catwalks – Stair treads
– Sidewalk Grates – Fiberglass grating – FRP Handrails and structurals – FRP stair tread and stair tread covers – FRP caged ladders
Decking Bridges Vehicle Surfaces
Vehicle surfaces – Vehicle bridges – Trench covers – Highway drains
Security fencing – Machine guards – Hand railings – Railing infill panels – Guardrails
Industrial shelving – Mezzanines
These applications are commonly exposed to high-heat environments and outdoor weathering, making material selection and fabrication quality critical to long-term performance.
Marco Specialty Steel Products for the Aerospace Industry
Marco Specialty Steel has supported the aerospace industry since 1992, supplying and fabricating specialty metal and fiberglass grating products for demanding industrial environments. With a large on-hand inventory housed in our 35,000-square-foot facility, we are positioned to support both planned projects and time-sensitive requirements. Our team works closely with engineers, contractors, and procurement teams to deliver accurately fabricated components that align with facility specifications, operational demands, and project schedules.
Metal / Steel Products for the Aerospace Industry
Bar Grating for Aerospace Industry
Metal Bar grating is widely used in aerospace facilities for maintenance platforms, elevated walkways, stair treads, and crossover systems. Its high strength-to-weight ratio supports load-bearing requirements while allowing debris, fluids, and airflow to pass through.
In hangars, manufacturing plants, and launch support areas, bar grating provides durable walking surfaces that maintain traction and visibility. Marco Specialty Steel supplies and fabricates bar grating panels and stair treads to meet load specifications, dimensional requirements, and layout constraints typical of aerospace environments.
Expanded Metal for Aerospace Industry
Expanded metal is used throughout aerospace facilities for safety, security, and ventilation-related applications. It is commonly specified for equipment enclosures, guard panels, fencing, and catwalk grating.
Its one-piece construction delivers strength without added weight, making it well-suited for applications where airflow, visibility, and durability are required. Expanded metal is frequently used to protect sensitive equipment while maintaining accessibility for inspection and maintenance.
Perforated Metal for the Aerospace Industry
Perforated metal supports airflow control, acoustic management, and filtration applications in aerospace environments. It is often used in ventilation panels, sound attenuation systems, equipment housings, and protective barriers.
Hole patterns and open area percentages can be tailored to meet airflow, filtration, or shielding requirements. Marco Specialty Steel supplies, custom punches, and fabricates perforated metal panels to align with aerospace specifications and performance criteria.
Wire Cloth (Wire Mesh) for the Aerospace Industry
Wire cloth, aka wire mesh, is used in aerospace facilities for filtration, separation, and protective applications. It is commonly specified for screening systems, test environments, and equipment protection where precise openings and consistent performance are required.
Woven wire mesh supports controlled airflow and particle separation in specialized processes, while also serving as infill machine guards and protective barriers around equipment and restricted areas.
Safety Plank Grating for the Aerospace Industry
Safety plank grating is used in aerospace facilities to provide dependable traction on walking and working surfaces. It is commonly applied to stair treads, maintenance platforms, and elevated walkways where slip resistance is required.
The formed surface design enhances traction underfoot, making it suitable for areas exposed to fluids, dust, or outdoor conditions. Safety plank grating supports safe personnel movement in both indoor manufacturing environments and outdoor aerospace infrastructure.
Hex Metal for the Aerospace Industry
Hex metal is used in aerospace applications that involve high heat or refractory linings, such as thermal processing equipment or specialized testing systems. Its hexagonal grid design helps anchor refractory materials and maintain structural stability under thermal stress.
In aerospace manufacturing and testing environments, hex metal supports long-term durability in high-temperature applications where material performance is critical.
Fiberglass Grating (FRP) Products for the Aerospace Industry
FRP Grating and Structural Systems for the Aerospace Industry
Fiberglass grating, aka FRP, is used in aerospace facilities where corrosion resistance, electrical non-conductivity, and reduced weight are important considerations. It is commonly applied to stair treads, walkways, platforms, stair systems, and handrails in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Fiberglass grating performs well in areas exposed to moisture, chemicals, or electrical equipment, making it suitable for maintenance zones, washdown areas, and support structures. Marco Specialty Steel supplies and fabricates fiberglass grating and structural systems to integrate with aerospace facility layouts and operational needs.
Aerospace Fabrication Services
Precision Fabrication for Aerospace Facilities
Aerospace environments require accurately fabricated components that align with strict dimensional and performance requirements. Marco Specialty Steel provides custom fabrication services, including cutting, forming, welding, punching, and panel assembly.
Products are fabricated to match project specifications, supporting integration into manufacturing facilities, maintenance areas, and aerospace infrastructure. Fabrication capabilities are aligned with the needs of engineers, contractors, and procurement teams working on both aviation and space-related projects.
24 Hour Rush Services for the Aerospace Industry
Rapid Response for Time-Sensitive Operations
Aerospace manufacturing and operations often run on tight schedules where downtime can impact production or mission timelines. Marco Specialty Steel supports time-sensitive material supply and fabrication for urgent requirements, maintenance events, and unplanned needs.
Our team is equipped to respond quickly to support aerospace facilities requiring immediate replacement components or expedited project timelines.
24/7 Emergency Service (713) 705-5942
Aerospace Metal Materials
Material selection in aerospace environments depends on strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and exposure conditions.
- Carbon Steel: Used where high strength and load capacity are required in controlled environments
- Galvanized Steel: Specified for outdoor or moderate corrosion exposure, depending on project requirements
- Stainless Steel (304 & 316): Commonly used for corrosion resistance and durability in demanding environments
- Aluminum: Selected for its lightweight properties and resistance to corrosion (This corrosion-resistant material is commonly used for walkways, elevated platforms, and catwalks)
- Fiberglass Grating: Used where non-conductive and corrosion-resistant materials are required
- Specialty Alloys: Including Monel, Inconel, and Hastelloy, used in high-performance or high-temperature applications
Why Choose Marco Specialty Steel
Your Trusted and Experienced Specialty Steel & FRP Supplier
Marco Specialty Steel has experience supporting industrial sectors that require durable, precisely fabricated metal and fiberglass grating products. With a large on-hand inventory and in-house fabrication capabilities, we support both planned aerospace projects and time-sensitive requirements.
Our team works closely with engineers, contractors, and procurement teams to deliver materials that align with performance expectations, project specifications, and operational demands.
Contact us today to discuss your aerospace project.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Aerospace Industry
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about our products and fabrication services for the aerospace industry.
What metal products are commonly used in aerospace facilities?
Bar grating, perforated metal, expanded metal, wire cloth, and fiberglass grating are commonly used for walkways, platforms, ventilation panels, and equipment protection.
Is fiberglass grating suitable for aerospace environments?
Yes, fiberglass grating is often used where corrosion resistance and electrical non-conductivity are required, such as maintenance areas and equipment zones.
How are materials selected for aerospace applications?
Material selection depends on load requirements, weight considerations, environmental exposure, and performance specifications.
Can Marco Specialty Steel’s products be fabricated to meet aerospace facility layouts?
Yes. Marco Specialty Steel can fabricate metal products to match aerospace facility layouts and specifications. Our fabrication services include cutting, forming, welding, and finishing to ensure components fit accurately within complex environments.
Does Marco Specialty Steel supply materials suited for demanding aerospace environments?
Yes. Aerospace environments often require materials with high strength, corrosion resistance, and stability under extreme conditions. Marco Specialty Steel supplies specialty alloys such as Monel®, Inconel®, and Hastelloy®, which are commonly specified for applications involving elevated temperatures, chemical exposure, or high-performance requirements.

