Application Of Cnc Machining For Aerospace Industry

Application of CNC Machining For Aerospace Iindustry

The reason why precision CNC machining is the appropriate manufacturing process for the aerospace industry is that CNC processes can achieve very strict tolerances for metal and plastic parts, which makes it a powerful solution in the industry.

What is aerospace CNC machining?

Aerospace CNC machining is the use of CNC machine, through computerized manufacturing methods, using preprogrammed code and software to move cutting tools to manufacture aircraft and aerospace parts to assemble and maintain aircraft and space shuttles.Although many industries use CNC machining to manufacture parts and products, the aerospace industry is one of the most precision-demanding industries, with zero tolerance for parts.In addition, no matter how much the number of production, whether it is sampling or mass production, CNC manufacturers can use CNC machine tools to achieve the same results.

Aerospace CNC machining applications

CNC machining has many uses in the aerospace field, and the following are the most popular uses.

Aerospace CNC machining In the field of aviation, space travel is widely used, aerospace CNC machining can be cargo aircraft, fighter aircraft, passenger aircraft, spacecraft, The rocket manufactures some components such as electrical connectors, valve assemblies, oxygen production, shafts, nacelle parts, fins, fuselage components, actuators, motion controls, engine housings, landing gear components, discs and filter bodies, so aircraft CNC machining plays a vital role in achieving this goal. This process is crucial for the manufacture of the tiniest parts down to the design of the rocket's fuselage.

What materials are used in aerospace processing?

The process of aerospace CNC machining is highly adaptable. However, not all metals and plastics are ideal materials for manufacturing aerospace parts. The following are materials utilized in the production of machined components for the aerospace industry.

Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy

The high tensile strength and light weight of aluminum make it one of the most extensively utilized metals for machining aerospace parts. Moreover, its exceptional malleability renders it highly amenable to processing on CNC machine tools. The most commonly used CNC-machined aluminium alloy in the aerospace industry is aluminium 7075, which is mainly zinc-alloyed. It has good fatigue strength. This material has been used to make several types of wing, fuselage and support structure parts. Aerospace aluminium alloys 4047, 6951 and 6063 are also available for machining. Therefore, the 6000 series alloys are generally considered to be more machinable than other alloys.

Titanium and Titanium Alloy

The aerospace industry is the the world's largest use of titanium alloys because of their excellent performance at high temperatures, resistance to corrosion, and favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium has become a standard material in aerospace manufacturing. Commercial and military aircraft, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing B787, as well as helicopters like the F-22, F/A1699944086291700038, and UH-60 Blackhawk, necessitate substantial quantities of titanium in various components. Titanium is utilized in the construction of aircraft fuselages and various parts of jet engines including discs, blades, shafts, and casings. Because titanium is harder than aluminum, CNC machining of titanium can be more difficult, which usually results in tool wear and heat buildup that can deflect the material. Therefore, titanium aerospace machining requires lower machine RPM and higher chip load

Engineering plastics

Because of its extremely low weight, excellent impact and vibration resistance, chemical resistance, andsealing ability , plastics can be a valuable substitute for metals. In addition, they have better electrical insulation than metals, making them ideal for prototyping CNC machining. PEEK, Ultem, and polycarbonate are esteemed high-performance polymers for aerospace machining. The CNC machining of aerospace engineering plastics enables the production of various aircraft components, including cabin interiors, tray tables,handrails, wear pads, backlit instrument panels, valve assemblies, tubing, enclosures and insulation. However, it is important to note that not all engineering plastics are suitable for aerospace CNC machining due to the specific requirements regarding toxicity levels, smoke emissions and environmental standards. Therefore, this factor holds significant importance in the selection process.

The Benefits of CNC machining for aerospace parts

CNC machining is highly suitable for aircraft parts manufacturing due to its numerous advantages. It has excellent features such as high precision, high efficiency, and stability. Please read the benefits below.

No room for errors

The use of traditional/conventional manufacturing methods may result in part failure due to dimensional errors caused by human factors. However, precise CNC machining significantly reduces the likelihood of such occurrences as it ensures that aerospace parts adhere to strict dimensional, tolerance, and performance standards. This not only prevents part failures but also guarantees high performance.

High precision and accuracy

The hallmark of CNC machining lies in its precision, enabling the production of high-precision and consistent parts. CNC machine tools exhibit accuracy down to microns, with minimal margin for error. The utilization of CNC machining within the aerospace industry ensures the fabrication of aircraft components that fit precisely, thereby mitigating potential failures and subsequent property losses.

Consistency and efficiency

The hallmark of CNC machining lies in its precision, enabling the production of high-precision and consistent parts. CNC machine tools exhibit accuracy down to microns, The implementation of CNC machining in the aerospace industry can enhance manufacturing efficiency by automating the process, thereby increasing production speed and reducing lead time while ensuring precision and consistency in parts production. This level of accuracy and consistency results in minimal waste generation, with rare instances of rework due to dimensional inaccuracies.

CNC Aerospace machining technology

Most parts in the aerospace industry have complex designs and geometries, which makes high demand for high-precision parts that require aerospace precision CNC machining. There are a variety of types of CNC machines, but in order to produce high-precision parts, the aerospace industry uses two main CNC machining processes, namely CNC milling and CNC turning.

Precision CNC Milling

This is a multi-axis machining process that involves the use of milling machines to produce Aerospace

parts. The CNC milling machines used for this production move along the traditional X, Y and Z linear axes as well as the A and B rotating axes, allowing the creation of parts with complex shapes and geometries. When machining aerospace parts, 3 axis or 4 axis CNC milling machines, 5 axis CNC milling machines can be used, but 5 axis CNC milling machines are preferable to use, as they can process up to 5 directions of the workpiece in one operation. This helps CNC aerospace parts manufacturers reduce errors and shorten lead times. In addition, the cutting tools used in 5 axis CNC machine tools rotate at high speeds, ensuring the precision and accuracy of the parts.

CNC milling contributes to the precision production of aerospace parts such as landing gear, transmissions and electrical components.

Precision CNC Turning

This CNC turning process, also known as subtractive machining, involves removing material to produce the desired shape. The precision turning process keeps the material rod in a wedge shape and rotates it. This process continues until the material reaches the desired shape.

Precision CNC turning is a detailed and complex process used to manufacture cylindrical aerospace parts. It is also important to note that this CNC milling process is very precise because the computer controls the speed and position of the tools and materials used.

Choose Lori for your CNC machining aerospace projects

Lori has built a well-deserved reputation in the CNC machining industry for quality, reliability, low cost and fast delivery.

CNC machining aerospace projects

To meet your expectations for CNC aerospace machining projects, our team of will work closely and efficiently at all stages of product development, from prototype to production. We recognize that every project and its application is different, so we provide unique but practical solutions for each customer, including precision CNC machining services and custom surface treatment. Contact us now and let us start building your high-quality aerospace machining parts.

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Application of CNC Machining For Aerospace Industry