Flying High: Aerospace Machine Tools

Advanced 5-axis machine tool technology is thriving in the aerospace industry because it is becoming a more affordable way to save time through high precision complete part machining that eliminates errors that would occur if the part had to move through multiple setups. As the industry learns more about the benefits of using additive manufacturing processes (AM) for complex aircraft components, hybrid machines are now being introduced that combine AM and metal removal/subtractive manufacturing (SM) in a single footprint to drastically reduce material costs, achieve much higher complexity, and still finish high precision parts complete in a single setup.

Machine tool types and sizes vary for aerospace applications because there are so many different sizes and functions of aircraft parts. Hundreds of machine tool configurations are available to choose from, and here are some of the newest ones:

Unprecedented Speed, Efficiency and Power
The MFZ 4-2W from SAMAG is the fastest two-spindle HMC of its class for horizontal complete machining of cube-shaped parts made of steel, cast iron or aluminum.

Metal Laser Sintering / High Speed Milling In One
Dies and molds with very complex geometries can be fabricated in one piece with high accuracy on the LUMEX Avance-25 metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine from MC Machinery, shortening lead time and reducing manufacturing costs.

Extrusion Mill for Aerospace Parts
The two-chuck HHV Professional extrusion mill from Modig accommodates aluminum and carbon fiber parts with high productivity, extraordinary precision and repeatability in a small footprint.

Ultra Precise Machining Accuracy
Ideal for tight-tolerance aerospace component applications, the geometric accuracy of the Mitsui Seiki Vertex 75X II is carefully monitored in the tightest temperature-controlled factory environment in the world.

High-End Machining at an Affordable Price
The Tongtai CT-350 five-axis VMC, the Tongtai SH-4000 HMC and the Johnford DMC Series double-column moving table bridge mill from Absolute Machine Tools handle any variety of aerospace part applications.

Hybrid Multi-Tasking Technology
Ideal for small lot production of difficult-to-cut materials used in aerospace applications, the Integrex i-400AM hybrid multi-tasking machine from Mazak can easily generate/clad near-net-shape component features, then quickly complete them with high-precision finish machining operations.

Two-In-One Milling
The Dual P5 Mill from Bertsche links two independent machines with CNCs and two 5-axis machining modules with separate machining chambers to process two different parts at the same time in a single footprint.

Hybrid Manufacturing of 3D Aerospace Parts To Finish Quality
The LASERTEC 65 3D hybrid from DMG MORI s ideal for complete machining of complex components, plus partial or complete coatings for mold making, mechanical and medical engineering.