Advantages of Five-Axis Machining for Aerospace Manufacturing
Aerospace manufacturing is one of the most demanding markets in the world today, requiring precision machining for complex parts made from a wide range of materials. Leading aerospace manufacturers are increasingly relying on contractors to provide more of the essential components in their parts programs and demanding reductions in lead times, project times and project costs. Many contractors are forgoing conventional three-axis machining in favor of five-axis machines in order to better meet their customers’ demands for both high-quality components and increased supplier performance.
The concept behind a five-axis machining center is straightforward, rather than manipulating the position of the cutting tool relative to height, width and depth, the tool can be rotated around two of the axes to change the angle at which it impacts the workpiece. This offers a wealth of advantages for aerospace manufacturing, primarily in opening up the ability to create complex parts without having to repeatedly change set-ups. Eliminating this labor can significantly reduce production times, especially for the high-precision parts aerospace companies require. The set-up used in five-axis machining also permits the use of shorter tools, which offer greater rigidity for reduced machine chatter, even with higher feeds. This provides a better finish and also significantly increases tool life compared to traditional three-axis machining.
At Intrex Aerospace, multi-axis machining is one of our core competencies, with several four-axis CNC milling centers a five-axis CNC mill in our ISO 9001 and AS9100-certified facility. We’ve also recently invested in CNC Swiss machining centers with seven- and nine-axis capabilities, allowing us to produce complex aerospace components with a high degree of precision. With our skill in lean aerospace manufacturing and ability to provide comprehensive demand management services, our company has helped many customers save both time and money on complex part programs.
To learn more about the advantages of using Intrex for your contract aerospace manufacturing programs, contact us to request a quote today.
