For precision projects, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is ideal because it uses pre-configured computer software to guide the operation of manufacturing tools and machinery. This process is used in precision projects for the following reasons:
- Minimal to Zero Waste Generation
- Better Quality
- Increased Speed and Efficiency in Production
- Expedited Assembly Process
- Improved Safety for Workers
- Decreased Energy Use
- Cost-Effective Production
In the aerospace industry, CNC machining plays an indispensable role in manufacturing critical aerospace components, including engine parts, airframe structures, landing gears, and more. These components require the following:
- Tight tolerances
- Increased security measures
- Adherence to stringent quality standards
Because aerospace CNC machining has much higher standards and requirements than most other industries, an experienced aerospace machine shop is a must-have.
When it comes to aerospace manufacturing, we at Toolcraft pride ourselves on not just meeting the requirements of tight tolerances, increased security, and strict quality standards but exceeding them.
The Crucial Role of Tight Tolerances in Aerospace Manufacturing
Tighter tolerances are crucial for CNC machinists, especially in the aerospace sector, for several reasons:
- Safety: Aerospace components often function under extreme conditions and high stresses. Any deviation from specified dimensions could result in component failure, which, in turn, could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including loss of life. Therefore, maintaining tight tolerances is paramount to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
- Performance: The aerodynamics of an aircraft are calculated based on exact dimensions. If components do not meet these tight tolerances, the performance of the aircraft may be affected, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, lower speed, or even flight instability.
- Interchangeability: In aerospace manufacturing, parts are often produced in different locations and then assembled together. Tight tolerances ensure that these parts can be interchanged and replaced when necessary, leading to consistency in assembly, easier maintenance, and a reduction in production and operational costs.
- Reliability: Aircraft are subjected to rigorous testing before they are certified for flight. If a part is made within tighter tolerances, it behaves more predictably and therefore improves the reliability of the overall system.
- Regulation Compliance: The aerospace industry is heavily regulated, and non-compliance with tolerance specifications can result in significant penalties, including grounding of aircraft, which can have significant financial implications.
As you can see, Toolcraft understands that tight tolerances are not just a desirable quality but an absolute necessity for aerospace industry manufacturers.
With the need for tolerance at the top of our mind, one of the biggest and most exciting investments we’ve made is adding a 5-axis mill/turn pallet changer to our shop floor that can machine a 4-foot cube or 50-inch diameter part.
We’ve also embraced a ‘one and done’ methodology so that aerospace components are machined from start to finish on one machine, which means the process of creating aerospace components is more efficient with less opportunity for handling errors.
We’ve expanded our engineering team to improve our process planning, reduce scrap, save time, and better assess risk.
Lastly, we are working on IOT software projects as we identify areas where we can turn downtime into uptime. This tool allows us to track maintenance needs so we can address them before they interrupt client projects.
How Increased Security Benefits Toolcraft’s Aerospace Machine Shop And Clients
Toolcraft is a trusted CNC Machining Manufacturer and is involved with supply chains with links to federal government contracts, so we understand how vital advanced security and compliance efforts are to aerospace industry manufacturers.
We follow a clearly defined set of federal compliance guidelines – NIST 800.171 (with 110 controls) – to ensure that Toolcraft has top-notch security throughout our entire shop.
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) created Special Publication 800.171 to protect Controlled Unclassified Information by providing recommended requirements that contractors must follow to show that they have adequate security to protect defense information (as required by DFARS clause 252.204-7012).
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (part of NIST 800.171) covers five elements – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover – that benefit our aerospace machine shop (and our clients) in the following ways:
- Reduced risk of data breaches
- Reduced risk from insider threats
- Framework and methodology for managing risk
When you choose Toolcraft over other aerospace industry manufacturers, you get a significantly higher level of security over other CNC Machine shops (and less downtime), so your order is filled sooner.
Increasing Quality Standards Through State-of-the-Art Technology: Toolcraft’s New Height in Aerospace Manufacturing
The Hexagon Global S Blue Coordinate Measure Machine (CMM) is Toolcraft’s advanced technological investment that uses intelligent technology and versatile sensor arrangements to streamline the development, implementation, and interpretation of measurement routines. This vital upgrade to our inspection toolkit keeps us at the forefront of current metrological norms.
Our aerospace manufacturing clients will greatly value this technological advancement, and here’s why:
- We can overcome the most challenging aerospace manufacturing inspections across an increasingly broad spectrum of applications.
- This innovative technology enhances our capacity to handle even the largest aerospace components project while maintaining the exceptional quality and accuracy of our measurements.
- The machine can accommodate a diverse array of part sizes with its measuring range of 59” x 87” x 40” and a weight capacity of up to 2.5 tons.
- The state-of-the-art software gives us a new degree of detailed data that we can share with customers, reinforcing their confidence in the conformity of the product with their precise requirements.
The Hexagon Global S Blue CMM caters to a broad spectrum of aerospace manufacturing needs, including throughput, precision, and shop-floor capabilities. Particularly noteworthy is its ability to dramatically cut down run times and elevate our productivity. This is achieved by automatically optimizing:
- Feature measurement
- Path creation
- Machine routing
Investing in the Hexagon Global S Blue Coordinate Measure Machine positions state-of-the-art technology in the proficient hands of Toolcraft’s team, bringing our aerospace manufacturing capabilities to a new height.
At Toolcraft, we have decades of CNC machining experience, and we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of aerospace machining service to our clients. Click here if you’re ready to get started.