Precision CNC Machining In The Aerospace Industry – A Detailed Guide

It is common sense that flying within the Earth’s atmosphere is more difficult than moving on the ground. And that’s the reason, aircraft require high-quality and durable parts to operate.

Whether it’s a commercial plane, spacecraft, fighter jet, or missile, they all require components that can tolerate extreme temperatures and fluctuating altitude pressures. This is where Aerospace CNC Machining enters the picture. It helps manufacturers make durable and safe parts for such complex applications.

Producing parts for the aerospace industry is not as easy as other industries. It calls for great expertise, precision, and aptitude. Assuming that you are interested in learning about CNC machining and precision manufacturing, we have provided a guide in the post below.

What Is Aerospace CNC Machining?

Aerospace CNC machining is a complex process, involving the use of computer-driven tools and equipment to make aircraft parts. It is a fully computerized method that makes the production process more precise than normal. Manufacturers use this method to move to cutting tools using advanced software and pre-programmed codes.

While CNC machining is used by various other industries, the most delicate of them all is aerospace. That’s because it has zero room for errors and needs to be completely accurate.

No matter, the quantity concerned, manufacturers can achieve the same result each time with the help of CNC machines. Some companies may also offer custom manufacturing options, letting clients decide what they want.

Importance Of Precision In The Aerospace Industry

Precision machining is extremely important for the aerospace industry, mainly because it helps make high-quality aircraft parts. To ensure the parts have no flaws, they undergo strict quality checks.

Talking about precise aerospace manufacturing, the industry requires tolerance, performance, and dimension for each part. This helps ensure that the parts are fine and won’t fail in the flight.

The quality of aircraft parts determines the performance of the flight. Even a minor issue can lead to serious consequences, risking thousands of lives onboard. To avoid such safety risks, manufacturers must meet all the required standards.

With the help of CNC machining, manufacturers can make high-quality aircraft parts in bulk. They use aerospace-grade plastics and metals to build each part while inspection systems ensure that the finished product has no fault.

Materials Used In Aerospace CNC Machining

The good thing about aerospace precision machining is that it is an adaptable process. But that doesn’t imply you can use all types of plastic and metals for making aircraft parts. The most common materials used for making aerospace components include the following:

Titanium and Titanium Alloys

Titanium is used widely in the aerospace industry because it works great at high temperatures. It also has a good weight-to-strength ratio and is resistant to corrosion.

Aircrafts like Boeing B787 and Airbus A380 are equipped with titanium alloy-made parts. However, it is kind of difficult to CNC machine titanium as it is a very hard metal. This is one reason machining is run at a lower speed with a higher chip load.

This metal alloy is particularly used to make aircraft parts like casings, blades, discs, and shafts.

Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys

The top choice for making aerospace parts is aluminum because of its weight and tensile strength. Just so you know, this metal is much lighter than titanium and makes CNC machining an easy process.

Aluminum 7075 is among the most commonly used alloys in the aerospace industry. The primary component of this allows is zinc, which offers excellent fatigue strength. It is used for making fuselage, support structure parts, and wings.

Engineering Plastic

This is another material that is used for precise aerospace manufacturing because of its excellent chemical resistance, vibration resistance, and low weight. It is considered a great alternative to metal as it provides better electrical insulation.

Engineering plastic is widely used in the industry for making prototype CNC machining. Some of the high-performance polymers used are Ultem, PEEK, and polycarbonate. Much like metal, not all engineering plastic is suitable for aerospace CNC machining. This is because aircraft polymers are required to meet a certain standard for smoke, flame, and toxicity.

Manufacturers use engineering plastic for making aircraft parts like wear pads, cabin interiors, back-lit instrument panels, tray tables, armrests, housings, valve components, and tubing.

Benefits Of Using CNC Machining For Aerospace Parts

CNC machining is extremely beneficial for the aerospace industry as it is used for making various parts. With the help of CNC precision manufacturing, manufacturers can make durable and reliable aircraft components. The primary advantages of using CNC machining in this industry include:

Lightweight components

When it comes to aircraft parts, weight is a crucial factor that cannot be ignored. CNC machining helps create parts and structures with thin walls from durable and lightweight materials. These components are designed in a way to meet the required standards. It is highly important for technologies that fly to follow these standards, or there will be problems.

High accuracy and precision

The aerospace industry chooses CNC machining because of its high consistency and accuracy. The best thing about CNC machines is that they have a tiny error margin, meaning they are mostly accurate. With the help of CNC machining, manufacturers make parts that perfectly fit aircraft. This is a good way to ensure that the parts work fine and prevent failure.

Minimal part errors

Aircraft parts made using conventional methods are prone to defects or failures, which is no doubt very risky. This is why manufacturers prefer precise manufacturing as it helps them make high-quality parts with minimal errors. CNC machining ensures that the parts comply with performance standards, size, and tolerance. These things prevent the parts from failing.

Efficiency and consistency

CNC machining helps boost manufacturing efficiency in the industry, which is another big reason for manufacturers to choose this method over others. Since this is an automated process, it enables manufacturers to produce bulk parts. As a result, manufacturers can make more parts in less time. Not to mention, it is also great for maintaining consistency and accuracy. The parts made are highly efficient and ideal for use in different aircraft types.

Applications Of Aerospace CNC Machining

CNC machining is needed by the aerospace industry for various applications. Some of those applications include the following:

Electrical connectors

CNC machining helps in the production of electrical connectors for aircraft. It is a vital component of a plane’s electrical system.

Oxygen generation components

With the help of CNC machining, manufacturers make durable, lightweight, and temperature-resistant oxygen-generating safety systems.

Valve components

Valves made using the CNC machining method guarantee effectiveness and accuracy. These tiny parts are required for secure operations of various kinds.

Shafts

CNC-machined shafts are required for power transmission purposes. Manufacturers choose this method because it enhances the quality of the shafts. Plus, they are made of heat-resistant materials.

Other applications of CNC machining in the aerospace industry include wing ribs, cabin parts, actuators, engine housings, fuselage components, motion controls, filter bodies, discs, and others.

To sum it up, CNC machining plays a crucial role in the aerospace industry. Manufacturers choose this method because it offers precision, reliability, and efficiency. It enables them to make high-quality components that are perfect for aircraft. With its ability to produce complex parts, CNC machining is a boon for the modern aerospace industry.