If you’ve never worked with aerospace companies you may be intimidated by the shear size of some components and the demand for very tight tolerances. However the term aerospace covers a wide range of parts, many of which are routinely manufactured by CNC machine shops. There are 3 broad categories of part families associated with aviation and aerospace.
The trick, of course is to understand the requirements of each segment and determine if there are niches within those segments that your shop is capable of handling. Let’s take a brief look at each of the three groups:
Structural Components
Includes bulkheads and other fuselage parts, wing components and sub assemblies, spars, brackets, door assemblies, trusses and others. Most are prismatic and machined from aircraft grade aluminum and titanium. They range in size from quite small to very large, requiring CNC machines with corresponding table sizes and strokes. Most machining is done on a 3-axis machine, however some require 4th and 5th axes. Most of these parts start from billet or castings, requiring extensive pocketing to remove as much weight from the work piece as possible without sacrificing strength. To minimize cutting time, most manufacturers rely on high-speed machining principles, often using horizontal machining centers (HMC) because of their chip control capability and rotational pallet control that minimizes part-handling time.
Non-Structural Components
These include pumps, actuators, valves, landing gear components and wheel assemblies, to name a few. These parts require highly precise, exacting processes and quality control because of their importance in the control and reliability of the aircraft. Some of these parts are machined from billet, requiring 5-axis contouring capability. Valve spools and other round components are turned on conventional, high-accuracy lathes. Final sizing may also require external and internal grinding processes.
Engine Components
This critical category involves the production of all stationary and rotating components found in turbine and reciprocating engines. These parts are machined from high temperature alloys such as Inconel® and others. Most are very complex shapes requiring both turning and milling from expensive castings and forgings, and have long cycle times, sometimes approaching days of machining. Some parts end up as very thin-walled structures requiring sophisticated fixtures and support during multi-sequence machining. Typically these parts are machined using traditional vertical and horizontal machining centers, and multi-function horizontal and vertical turning centers. Part sizes run from a few inches to over 10 feet in diameter. Manufacturing these components requires careful process and quality control, 100% final part inspection, and strict traceability.
Is there a niche in these three categories that suits your CNC shop? Your Torrance Haas Factory Outlet has the CNC machines and accessories to help you compete in this challenging but lucrative market. To learn more simply call (310) 381-0750, email: jphillips@haasfactoryoutlet.com, or visit www.haasfactoryoutlet.com.