Precision Turn Milling
Precision 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.
Why Use It?
Turn milling is becoming more prevalent as a machining practice. The advances in CNC controller technology have led to greater control of machine tools and their related axis drives. These advances allow for control of simultaneous motion of multiple axes. Because of these improvements’ users are able to produce tighter tolerance parts, with finer finishes.
Intrex Aerospace has made substantial investment in multiple turn mill CNC machines. Many of the aerospace parts we produce require this level of technology.
The advantages of turn milling include:
- Many of the parts Intrex produces require both turning and milling operations. The ability to hold the part in a single chucking greatly reduces the need for multiple setups. This setup reduction is very beneficial in reducing tolerance “stack up”, which helps eliminate scrap and produces overall quality improvement. It also leads to greater operating efficiencies with less operator intervention, and reduction of lead times.
- With our latest machine tool additions to turn mill machining, we can utilize simultaneous multiple-axes machine tools that have the ability to minimize or avoid collisions between the part, the cutting tool, and the machine. The 5-axis turn mill design allows tilting of the tool holder or the chucking device. This also allows provision for better tool clearance and fewer restrictions in generating true part geometry.
- Increased tool life and machined surface improvement is always a plus. Using simultaneous turn mill technology, we are able to achieve improved tool life and cycle times. The design of our 5-axis machine tools allows for the tilting of the tool or chucking device, which helps maintain optimum cutting position and constant chip load. This improved multiple-axis control also helps produce better surface finishes.
Our Most Recent Investment
Our latest investment, a DMG Mori NTX series, represents maximum productivity in the production of complex turn mill components. The machine has twin spindles, a B axis, and a tool changer. We are capable of producing the most demanding workpieces with maximum precision and efficiency. This multi-axis machine is ideally suited for our aerospace, defense, and space customers. It also lends itself to any markets that require high precision and fine finishes.
Intrex Offers More
Intrex Aerospace provides more than precision multi-axis machining. We offer complete program management. Our Epicor software system monitors and controls the scheduling, throughput, and reporting of all our production work as it flows through our shop. We also provide engineering support, management of outsourcing of finishing processes, light assembly, kitting, and more. To learn more about Intrex Aerospace’s multi-axis machining capabilities for the aerospace and defense industries, contact us today.