Turn Milling – Aerospace
Intrex has been involved with producing machined components for the aerospace market for many years. Many of the components in the aerospace market require complex turn milling. Turn milling is a process whereby a milling cutter machines a rotating workpiece. This method combines milling and turning techniques and has many advantages, but only relatively recently has the introduction of multitasking machine tools allowed turn milling to display its benefits.
Intrex Aerospace has made substantial investments in CNC machine tools that can offer an innovative machine concept, which allows for efficient machining of such workpieces with only one machine. Complex workpieces of both turning and milling operations are usually machined on different machine tools, requiring time-consuming clamping and shifting works for the operator.
Turn milling is defined as the milling of a curved surface while rotating the workpiece around its center point. Eccentric forms or shapes that differ considerably from those produced by conventional milling or turning operations can often be turn milled.
Manufacturing efficiency is key to producing excellent parts. Quality drives our production. Intrex Aerospace is always looking for new ways to make the manufacturing process more efficient. In the last few years, we have made significant investments in CNC turn-mill equipment. By utilizing turn-mill technology, we can:
- Reduce setups
- Internally transfer the work piece between the two spindles
- Add a tool head with rotary drive
- Maintain tighter tolerance
Reduce Setups
Multi-axis, multi-spindle CNC machines can machine multiple surfaces with reduced number of chucking. This eliminates possibilities for error caused by having to move the workpiece from fixture to fixture.
Internally transfer the work piece between two spindles
This ability to transfer the work piece between two spindles on the same machine, helps maintain “home” or “zero” reference as the part is transferred. It minimizes the number of chucking and enhances the ability to maintain tight tolerances.
Add a tool head with rotary drive
By adding a work head with milling capability into the machine envelope, it greatly increases machining efficiencies, reduces the number of chucking, and you have a single machine with a common “home” or “zero” work reference.
Maintain Tighter Tolerance
We are always striving for machining excellence. Our lean initiatives drive continuous improvements in machining methods and practices. Our multi-task, mill-turn machines help us achieve our improvement purposes. With the ability to reduce set up, we eliminate much of the error caused by tolerance stack up. It also can give us better control of the overall machining process, thus better finishes.
Much of aerospace requires ITAR compliance. We are compliant. We have both AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications. We are experienced with defense DX and DO requirements. Our quality system can provide the system controls necessary for these types of parts.
Our powerful Epicor ERP/MRP software system manages the entire process: material sourcing, production scheduling, special processing management, shipping, and documentation. We are familiar and experienced with FAIs and AOGs.
To learn more about Intrex Aerospace’s manufacturing capabilities for government aerospace and defense projects, or about the advantages of 5-axis CNC machining for the defense markets, contact our office today.
