Manufacturing Showcase
The Cutting Edge of Aerospace Machining: Ensuring Parts are Precise and Reliable for Critical Applications From rapid prototyping and design for manufacturing before the first part is machined, to adaptable and scalable manufacturing and state-of-the-art metrology & inspection throughout the process
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or the aerospace industry, the “cutting edge” of parts machining goes far beyond having the latest CNC equipment and accessories. It also means engaging at the earliest stages of the process using the latest in design for manufacturing (DFM), simulation and process verification processes prior to cutting the first part. It is then critically important to have flexibility and adaptability to make changes and scale production when needed with the ability and commitment to inspect with the most precise tools throughout the process. The goal of this approach is to give customers the knowledge that when machining begins, the parts are going to be 100% right, with zero defects, the first time and every time. Delivering this level of peace of mind is critical in the aerospace industry. There is, after all, so much at
22 | IMD
MARCH 2022
stake in aerospace and defense where parts are critical to performance and safety. Whether operating in the air, sent into space, or used on the battlefield, the reliability of how parts function is essential to success. Typically, when a potential customer is looking for a machine shop to make a complex part, they are looking for the latest equipment and current certifications including ASQ, ISO 9001 and AS9100. There is a tremendous benefit, however, for a customer to look beyond these prerequisites for a machine shop that will work with them from the design phases through manufacturing to predict and resolve failures before they happen. The ability to predict when failures could occur requires proactive communication and early engagement with an expert machine shop.
