Applications of CNC Machining for Aerospace
Over the years, Intrex Aerospace has produced parts for many different applications. Most have been applications for CNC machining for aerospace. We have provided precision parts in an assortment of complex shapes and materials. One of our areas of expertise is thin-walled machined parts. The primary application for the thin-wall parts are couplers used in aerospace for moving water, air, hydraulics, and fuel.
These couplers vary in size, shape, and raw material depending on the application. They are all made to precise specifications. Weight reduction is always a consideration. The weight-to-strength ratio is an ever present reality in aerospace design and manufacture. Because of this design requirment, many of the parts we proced have “thin-wall” requirements.
Thin-walled components can vary in size, shape, and raw material. Most parts require both machine turning and milling. This requires precision state-of-the-art machine tools. We have multiple multi-axis turn/mill CNC machines with twin spindles that can perform most machining operations in a single machining process, which reduces the need for multiple setups. This features also helps reduce error stack-up due by eliminating multiple chuckings.
5-Axis Simultaneous Machining
Many of our parts are requiring higher degrees of complexity with tighter tolerances. Our newer multiple axis machines with 5 axis simultaneous capability lend itself to this type of machining. We have made significant investments in these type of machine tools to meet our customers dema.nds for sophistication and flexibility.
Our latest machine addition are Mori Seiki NTX series. These machine have both main and sub-spindle, milling heads and automatic tool changers. It can perform full 5-axis machining, simultaneously. The twin spindle design is ideal for reducing the need for extra setups, which also greatly enhances part quality and machine efficiencies.
Our production experience, coupled with newer CNC equipment give us a decided advantage in producing complex thin-walled shapes. Due to the design of our new equipment we can produce parts efficiently in smaller or larger lot sizes.
Intrex Means Quality Assurance
Producing machined components for aerospace, space, and defense requires a high level of quality control. At Intrex Aerospace, we have in place a quality assurance system that insures quality parts. Part of our quality assurance is supporting documentation that validates and documents steps taken to measure and record our production process. This information is passed along to the customer..
We’ve are continually making investments in our quality system. We recently invested in a software package that more fully integrates with our Epicor ERP/MRP system. This software allows us to track a range of quality metrics, such as CPk and SPCs. We can also use it to generate reports that allow our customers to see how we’ve improved quality and reduced waste throughout the production of their precision components.
Our entire shop is flowed through our AS 9100 quality system. Internal to our flow process, we utilize CNC CMMs in work cells on our shop floor, as well as in our climate-controlled quality lab. We use multiple quality metrics (IQS, TQM, SPC) to monitor and measure our parts as they flow through our shop. Our PPMs average less than 100 PPMs. All quality and production are monitored through our Epicor ERP/MRP system.
All of the above are applications of CNC Machining for aerospace. For more information on our CNC milling and turning services, contact Intrex Aerospace today.
