Aerospace CNC Machining Service
Precision is crucial for aerospace components. Parts for this industry must not only hold up in critical applications and withstand harsh conditions, but they must also meet stringent industry requirements and inspection criteria to ensure proper functionality. Aircraft production and assembly require maximum accuracy as even the smallest imperfection can have adverse effects and lead to mechanical failure.
Our capabilities include CNC turning, CNC milling, and Swiss precision turning with tolerances as tight as ±0.0001″. We are committed to providing superior-quality, precision components in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards.
What is Aerospace CNC Machining？
Aerospace machining is an integral part of the assembly process of all aerospace products. Many parts that are not machined completely from raw materials have at least some machining done to them to achieve their tightest tolerance features. Many aerospace contracts require delivery of vastly complex projects within a tight deadline. Large-scale projects, like a missile launch system or a spacecraft, require tens-of-thousands of individual parts and hundreds of workers to build these systems. Precision CNC machining ensures that these parts fit together flawlessly.
When dealing with any aerospace deliverable, having a precise machining process is key to a company delivering a high-quality product on time. Frequently, multiple fixtures are employed to support thin and light structures that may not hold their shape when subjected to machining forces. These fixtures must be designed, manufactured, and proven prior to component production. The entire machining process is mapped before production begins and timelines and milestones are established throughout the production process, both of which are paramount to the product’s and company’s success.
Oftentimes Aerospace components are made of exotic materials that may be lighter, stronger, or harder than conventional materials or resist the effects of extreme temperatures and thermal cycling. Super Alloys like Inconel, Hastalloy, and Alloys of Titanium are often employed, as are single crystal or uniaxial castings of various alloys, and various composite materials which can include carbon fiber and ceramic materials. All present their own machining challenges.
The organic shapes often employed due to the high-speed flow of air and fluids make CNC machining requisite to the manufacture of aerospace components and also require sophistication in inspection equipment and techniques where conventional metrology may not adequately describe and verify surfaces of a complex geometric nature.
Aerospace CNC Machining Applications in Aviation and Spaceflight
CNC machining is widely used throughout aviation, aerospace, and spaceflight to manufacture components that demand precision and durability. Common use cases include valve components, electrical connectors, filter bodies, and oxygen generation components. Any faults in these areas can be devastating, leading companies to use CNC precision machining.
- Oil tanks
- Landing gear
- Oil/Fuel filtration components
- Engine components
- Engine mounts
- Oil/Fuel level components
- Oil/Fuel flow components
- Fuel access panel
- Satellite components
- Flapper control parts
- Carbon composite parts
- Sculpted core material
- Small to medium sized parts
- Seat components
- Parts for oxygen generation systems
- Turbine components
- Shaft, valve, and components
- Housings and filter parts
- And any other custom CNC-machined part!
Materials for Machined Aerospace Components
The aerospace industry has strict regulations for acceptable materials in parts manufacturing. They must be strong and durable yet lightweight. Aluminum is one of the most common materials fulfilling these conditions for aerospace CNC machining, either as an alloy or in its pure form. Compliant materials for aerospace parts include:
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Carbon Steel
- Copper
- Kp/Kn thermocouple alloys
- Cobalt chrome
- Inconel®
- Plastics
- Stainless Steel
- Steel
- Tool Steel
- Titanium
- Tungsten
- Exotic Alloys
Custom Aerospace Machining Capabilities
Aircraft move at very high speeds and undergo incredible levels of stress, making precise attention to detail critical during construction. Whether you’re manufacturing military jets, cargo planes, or airline transportation, all parts and components must meet exacting requirements for safe and successful operations. To meet these rigorous demands, Anpllocnc offers a variety of aerospace CNC machining services:
3-Axis cnc milling on a vertical milling machine allows for 2.5D and 3D machining of most parts. Using X, Y, and Z movement 3-axis milling is used for the majority of machining projects. Milling on a 3 Axis machine requires each work face to be machined independently. For each work face the part needs to be positioned and secured in a process called work-holding.
4 and 5-Axis milling allows for 3D machining with either a rotating part or a rotating mill. Using X, Y, Z, A and possibly B axis 4 and 5 -axis milling is used for complex machining projects. Milling on a 4-5 Axis machine rotates the part for complex contours and shapes. Machining on a four axis machine typically increases machine time cost 50%, while a fifth axis machine would increase machine time costs upwards of 300%
CNC Turning on a lathe allows for machining of cylindrical parts. Using X, Y, and A movement lathes are used for nearly all cylindrical machining projects. Turning on a lathe has limitations on the overall diameter of the stock being machined at 7 inches, but can turn parts up to 32 inches in length.
Wire EDM (Electical Discharge Machining) allows for high precision and near 90 degree corners using a small wire and high levels of electrical current to cut the material.
Small Hole EDM (Electical Discharge Machining) like Wire EDM allows for high precision and near 90 degree corners using a small wire and high levels of electrical current to cut the material. However Small Hole EDM does not require the wire pass through the part allowing for pockets and cavities within the material rather than just cutting through-hole like Wire EDM.
Sinker EDM is typically used for complex 3-D shaped parts, often with small or odd shaped angles. The process provides a finished part without stresses on the material. Sinker EDM has a wider variety of applications, such as blind cavities/key-ways, thin walls, or cross sections.
Our use of sliding head lathes ensures that cycle times and costs are significantly reduced. Achieving up to 39 machining positions with 8 axes, often a component can be completed in one single set-up, improving efficiencies.
4 axis CNC machining is where the 4th axis rotates whilst the machine is not cutting, aiding precision. Our range of CNC machining services is designed to offer a wide range of precision to fit any manufacturing complexities and demand.
We continue to innovate, refining our 5 axis CNC machining services for maximum output at reduced time and cost. The 5 axis provides you with the power and precision for myriad uses, maintaining accuracy and delivering consistently.
Utilising the very latest technology in CAD/CAM helps us to provide compliance and consistent manufacturing processes for our clients. It helps us to deliver CNC machining services that are precise, complete the process right the first time and reduce lead times.
CMM inspection is another service Anpllocnc offers to boost the accuracy and consistency of manufacturing processes. It involved precision CMM inspection services that takes CAD models and 2D drawing formats and provides a detailed report tailored to each client and process.
Creating a prototype is an important part of the manufacturing process. Our services allow our clients to see a product, part, or concept in action before making a decision on whether to continue production or make necessary changes.
What do our aerospace CNC machining services include?
- Top quality product design and manufacturing
- Innovative solutions to enhance productivity and reduce cost
- Standard and custom machining services for a wide variety of materials including steel and titanium
- Innovative solutions that give you a distinct competitive edge in the market
- Advanced product testing facilities to ensure compliance and performance
Drive Shaft Expertise For The Aerospace Industry
At Anpllocnc we have many years of experience in drivetrains and custom parts for the aerospace industry. We have a wide range of precision CNC machined driveshafts, drivetrains, gearboxes and parts designed to meet any application needs you may have, whether aerospace, automotive, food processing, forestry, marine, military/Defense, packaging, fracking, wastewater and pumping, paper, commercial printing and steel manufacturing industries.
• 1310 Series • 1550 Series •1760 Series
• 1350 Series • 1610 Series •1810 Series
• 1410 Series • 1710 Series •1880 Series
We also stock the following SPL Series:
• SPL 55 • SPL 90
• SPL 70 • SPL 170
• SPL 100 • SPL 250
AS9100D Certified Machine Shop
If you are part of the aerospace or defense industry, you already recognize the importance of precision machining. We are accredited by AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015, both of which are quality management systems that help to ensure our company’s commitment to excellence. AS9100D certification is important for us to work with aerospace companies. Why is AS9100D important if you are a company in the aerospace industry seeking machining services? You can rest assured that our quality system has been closely examined and approved to meet the rigorous standards that the aviation and defense industry requires.
Why Choose Anpllocnc CNC For Aerospace Components？
We have extensive experience supplying parts directly to Primes and Tier 1 companies. As an industry leading AS9100 certified CNC machine shop, we are dedicated to supporting current and future clients’ missions. Our support includes providing high-performance and reliable machining services. Our fully automated CNC machining capabilities allow us to optimize cycle time while performing all required machining processes in a single fixture, which saves on production time, as well as labor and set-up costs.
Our sourced hardware meets MIL-Spec, AMS-Spec, AN-Spec and other regulatory requirements. Anpllo CNC can procure material for your component, manufacture it to your specifications and assemble the component as required. We can handle time-critical schedules and difficult parts that other shops aren’t able to create.
Ready to Get Your Project Off the Ground?
Speak to an aerospace, defense, and space industry CNC machining expert today! Our team is standing by, ready to help answer questions or get started on a quote for your project.