The torsion link is a component of the main landing gear of aeroplanes and is made up of two parts. It connects the two cylindrical parts of the landing leg. This design allows the damper cylinders to retract and extend without twisting.
The torsion link thus maintains correct positioning of the wheels and ensures the directional stability of the aeroplane when the landing gear is extended.
Due to the resulting high loads, torsion links are made of titanium. Other than parts for a few mass-produced aeroplanes where production of forged blanks is worthwhile, both parts for the torsion link are usually milled from solid.
Because titanium is a poor thermal conductor, trochoidal milling is a suitable machining strategy as the tool only briefly comes into contact with the workpiece. Part characteristics like constrictions that have to be machined, deep cavities and grooves all speak for this method.
