Aerospace

Move The Program Instead Of The Part

A complex five-axis part with hard-to-reach datums is machined in two setups instead of eight, thanks to a process that rewrites the tool paths to match the part's position.

Aerospace Hole Making Takes Shape

The demand for fast hole making will intensify as more fuel-efficient jet engines are introduced. Electrical discharge machining is emerging as the answer.

A Two-Speed Approach To Plunge Roughing

In plunge roughing, the strategy is in the stepover.  Here is a plunge roughing strategy that has worked well for Boeing researchers.

Thinking Big

This shop specifies large machine tools for the machining possibilities of the future. To prepare for the feed rates the shop expects to use one day, the latest large gantry mills apply linear motors on all three linear axes.

Aerospace OEMs Back A Lean Sea Change

A lean enterprise initiative comprised of aerospace primes and their suppliers, attempts to bring commonality to the supply chain. Its strategy is to provide a gage to measure lean progress and a roadmap to the higher levels of process maturity.

Why Boeing Is Big On Right-Size Machine Tools

Simple, dedicated machines save on capital expense, while they also make it possible to realize one-piece flow. These machines are often developed internally. 'Chaku-chaku' is the new ideal.

Tools For Titanium

With all of the titanium that will be required for a new aircraft, any of 1,000 spindles might benefit from the tools and techniques described here.

Barstock For Close-Tolerance Machining

When Probing Is Pivotal

Software for using the probe at angles expands the productive capabilities of this plant’s five-axis machine.

Machining Centers Reconsidered

A stable customer relationship gave this shop the chance to fundamentally change its equipment.