Challenges Aerospace Manufacturers Face When Machining Thin Walled Components
Thin walled machining can be challenging, and in for aerospace manufacturers these issues are compounded by the need to use exotic alloys for many applications. This makes it crucial for aerospace manufacturers producing thin walled parts to have an inherent understanding of the workpiece, tool and machine interaction. In order to maintain quality and ensure production costs are reasonable, forethought and attention to detail are crucial for this form of aerospace manufacturing.
While machine chatter is sometimes an issue in manufacturing, aerospace manufacturers must be extremely conscious of this effect when milling or turning thin walled parts. Companies need to be able to identify the proper workholder, tooling and cutting speed for a given material, in order to ensure that finishing cuts produce a smooth surface. This can be particularly challenging with titanium, a key metal in many aerospace parts, as poor heat dispersion can affect chip formation and rapidly degrade the piece’s shape. Once optimal cutting conditions are identified, aerospace manufacturers need to carefully track quality control metrics to ensure their processes are reliable. This can range from using 100% inspection to developing a Cpk to improve performance over time.
Intrex Aerospace specializes in thin walled CNC machining services, and has produced a wide range of precision components for aerospace and defense companies for more than 30 years. We’re both AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified, as well as ITAR-registered for work on USML-controlled components. Our engineers and machinists specialize in providing turnkey part solutions that are designed to reduce costs, lead times and production times for our clients.
For more information about what sets Intrex Aerospace apart from other aerospace manufacturers, contact us today. As an affiliate of Demmer Corporation, we have the financial strength and manufacturing capabilities required to efficiently manage a wide variety of parts programs.
