Today’s aerospace CNC machining projects involve the manufacturing of highly complex, high-precision components for some of the world’s most state-of-the-art aircraft and spaceflight equipment. As you can imagine, this ever-evolving field brings up a number of unique production challenges due to the uncompromising standards for quality, safety, and performance required throughout the industry.
Meeting all the challenges in modern aerospace manufacturing requires a combination of advanced CNC machining technologies, skilled operators, and continuous process improvement to meet the industry’s exacting requirements. At Superior Machining & Fabrication, we utilize 100+ CNC workcenters including milling, turning, and Swiss machining to accommodate our aerospace customers as efficiently as possible.
Our company has evolved into one of America’s leading aerospace manufacturing companies due to our flexibility, consistency, customer service, and capability to provide rapid turnaround. Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific challenges we strive to address in every custom machining project.
The Biggest Challenges of Custom Machining in the Modern Aerospace Industry:
Maintaining Precision Tolerances
Today’s aerospace parts typically involve extremely tight tolerances to ensure proper fit, alignment, and compatibility with other components. We must carefully choose the CNC machining process and tooling for each product to ensure we can repeatably meet the tolerances for the given design and materials.
Accommodating Complex Geometries
Speaking of design, aerospace parts are also typically highly complex with intricate shapes and custom machining features like undercuts, thin walls, and tight-radius corners. Accommodating these complex geometries while maintaining accuracy and surface finish is much more challenging than simpler components with more relaxed tolerances.
Specialized Aerospace Materials
Aerospace components are sometimes made from specialized materials and exotic metals such as titanium, high-strength alloys, and engineering plastics. These materials can be challenging to machine due to their hardness, abrasiveness, heat resistance, and other unique physical/mechanical properties, thus requiring specialized tooling and CNC machining techniques.
Stringent Safety Standards
Aerospace components must adhere to strict safety standards and regulations of modern aviation and spaceflight. Any deviation or error in the machining process can have critical consequences on the end quality or compatibility of the part.
Cost Constraints
While the components can be highly specialized and complex, the aerospace industry is also highly competitive, so cost-effectiveness is crucial. CNC machining services for aerospace customers must strike a balance between high precision and production efficiency to meet the desired price point without compromising on quality.
Minimizing Material Waste: Lower Cost and Higher Sustainability
Specialized aerospace materials are expensive, so minimizing waste is essential. This is in tune with the general manufacturing trend of less waste and better sustainability. At Superior, we optimize our CNC machines for efficiency in material usage, with strategies such as intelligent toolpaths and advanced cutting techniques.
Rigorous Testing, Inspection, and Quality Control
Due to the critical nature of aerospace components, extensive inspection and quality control measures are necessary. CNC machining processes must be integrated with robust inspection protocols to ensure that every part meets the required standards. That’s why Superior is an AS9100D certified American manufacturer committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations in quality and consistency.
Quality American Aerospace Machining Solutions Since 1995
With over 25 years of contract manufacturing experience, 100+ CNC machining workcenters, and a 100,000 sq. ft. facility, Superior Machining & Fabrication is one of the largest and most comprehensive machining service providers for the Muenster, Texas region and beyond.
