Aerospace
Creep-feed Grinding Is A Milling Process
Because creep-feed grinding is essentially a milling process, why not use a VMC? A grinding machine supplier describes how a VMC platform can make creep-feed grinding more effective.
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Five-Axis Machining Has Special Workholding Needs
This clamping system allows a workpiece to be rigidly clamped while raised up from the surface of the worktable on a five-axis machining center. Moving the workpiece away from the table creates clearance for the spindle nose and cutting tool when the table swivels the workpiece for multi-sided machining, or when the spindle head rotates and swivels to do contouring or sculptured surfaces. Without this clearance, the user may be forced to refixture the part or to switch to a longer, less rigid tool.
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Aerospace Shop Reduces Setups With Boring Mill
A recent survey prompted Ace Clearwater Enterprises to acquire a boring mill and implement a new MRP system. In turn, it was able to bring processes in-house and accelerate cycle times while better serving its clientele.
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Program Prove-Out Via Machine Simulation
Before new machining jobs are run at this aerospace composites facility, they are first proven out using 3D machine tool simulation software. Such preventive measures have proven valuable in eliminating damage to tools, machines and parts.
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Unattended Machining Makes Oral Orthotics More Affordable
This shop makes the oral devices that helped the shop owner and members of his family. Unattended machining is the key to making this therapy more accessible.
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Cutting With A 0.001-Inch End Mill
JPL’s Space Instrument Shop does this routinely, but it takes some special equipment and some unusual procedures. Above all, it takes patience.
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Big Inspection With Little Difficulty
A portable laser tracker let this shop increase not only its machining range, but also the range of its services to customers.
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Compliant Machining Of Composite Wings
Bell Helicopter created a systematic, scripted process to machine composite wing skins and structural components for the V-22 Osprey vertical takeoff aircraft. Custom software ensures there is no deviation from the script.
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Blade Grinding’s Need For Speed
A grinding technique akin to high speed machining offers an alternate method for grinding nickel-alloy blades and vanes used in turbine engines.
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