Qualification and safety testing of cutting fluids according to the PCS-4001 standard
In the aerospace industry, the use of cutting fluids during machining operations on critical metal components allows no room for compromise. Developed specifically for Safran Landing Systems, the PCS-4001 standard governs the qualification of cutting fluids to ensure that they do not affect the material integrity of high-performance alloys and coatings during machining.
Our independent laboratory supports you at every stage of your approval process in accordance with the PCS-4001 standard.
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Qualification
What the PCS-4001 standard qualifies and regulates
The PCS-4001 standard is an industry standard focused on mechanical forming operations: it validates the compatibility of machining cutting fluids according to Safran Landing Systems' material/coating combinations and applications:
Product types: Qualification of cutting fluids (neat oils, aqueous emulsions, synthetic or semi-synthetic fluids).
Scope of application: Targeted evaluation for machining critical landing gear components at Safran Landing Systems (SLS).
Material and health safety: Strict verification that the fluid causes no degradation to alloys (high-strength steels, titanium, aluminium), specific coatings (WCCrCo, Tribaloy T400), and complies with environmental requirements (e.g. chromium monitoring and secondary amine control).
The PCS-4001 safety testing framework
To obtain qualification, the cutting fluid must pass a rigorous series of physicochemical, mechanical and metallurgical tests:
Assessment of the absence of corrosion or oxidation on lightweight alloys and structural steels.
Standardized test on stressed specimens to prevent the risk of delayed fracture in ultra-high-strength steels.
Verification that no stress cracking occurs in machined steel and titanium alloys.
Control of the material's chemical dissolution and measurement of the micro-geometric quality of surfaces after machining.
Verification that carbides and specific deposits (WCCrCo, T400, chrome coatings) are not attacked.
Analysis of the fluid's composition (screening for secondary amines and monitoring of heavy metals).
Why entrust your PCS-4001 testing to our laboratory?
| Expertise | Our commitment |
| Mastery of standards | In-depth knowledge of Safran Landing Systems requirements and their links to the generic Pr-6300 standard. |
| State-of-the-art equipment | Hydrogen embrittlement test rigs in accordance with ASTM F519, stress corrosion testing rigs, profilometry, and electron microscopy. |
| Tailored support | From preparing your specific test specimens to providing a complete test report that can be used for your SLS certification dossiers. |
Our FAQ
The PCS-4001 is a technical standard issued by Safran Landing Systems (SLS). It defines the safety and qualification requirements applicable to cutting fluids (machining oils and emulsions) used on the alloys and coatings of its landing gear.
The standard specifically covers machining and cutting fluids: neat oils, soluble lubricants, aqueous emulsions, and synthetic or semi-synthetic fluids used during mechanical forming operations.
In addition to standard safety testing, PCS-4001 incorporates highly targeted controls for landing gear components:
The hydrogen embrittlement test according to ASTM F519 for high-strength steels.
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) testing specifically applied to steel and titanium couples.
Evaluation of compatibility with hard coatings (WCCrCo, Tribaloy T400).
Specific chemical analysis (monitoring secondary amines, chromium control).
The PCS-4001 is based on the generic safety framework of Safran Group's Pr-6300, but adapts and strengthens it to meet the metrological and mechanical machining constraints specific to Safran Landing Systems structures.
To receive a quote from the laboratory, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by telephone or by email.
Simply send us your requirements (material type, requested analysis, applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a customized technical and pricing proposal within 24–48 hours.
Analysis turnaround times at the FILAB laboratory vary depending on the type of analysis and the complexity of the expertise project.
FILAB is nevertheless committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent requirements.
