CNC Machining for the Aerospace Industry

In the aerospace industry, flight-critical environments leave zero margin for error, making CNC machining an essential part of manufacturing components for the sector. Procurement and engineering teams face the added pressure of meeting ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D standards while producing tight-tolerance parts in a cost-effective, controlled capacity.

Astro Machine Works has been working with major names in the aerospace sector for 40+ years, and we can deliver flight-ready components. We leverage our experience in short and medium production runs, machining and CNC prototype machining for aerospace to create parts and to assist engineers with research and development.

Using CNC for Aerospace Parts

Operators use CNC machining to develop a range of components, including:

• Housings, brackets, fuselage sections and other structural parts.
• Landing gear components with high durability.
• Cabin parts, seat belt components, valve parts, electrical connectors and other interior systems.
• Turbine blades, fuel nozzles, casings, combustion chambers and other engine components.

Why CNC Machining for the Aerospace Industry Is Important

CNC machining is indispensable for creating components for airplanes, spacecraft and other products for this sector because CNC machining delivers:

• Precision: By automating parts of the process, CNC machining reduces the risk of human error and enables the production of high-precision parts that manual processes may not. Aerospace relies on lightweight components produced to tight specifications, and CNC machining can deliver precision in both small- and large-scale production.
• Safety: With automation and repeatability, CNC machining ensures all components in a production run meet safety standards.
• Aerodynamic surfaces: In aerospace applications, CNC machining can create extremely smooth surfaces to reduce drag, and components built from a single piece of material create a seamless surface in virtually any shape, enhancing the speed and performance of the final aircraft or spacecraft.
• A range of products: At Astro Machine Works, we have the capability for micro-machining, and our CNC milling machines can handle parts up to 118 inches by 236 inches, allowing us to produce a variety of aircraft components.
• The ability to work with challenging materials: Titanium, high-purity aluminum, Kovar, Inconel, superconducting copper, and other materials that can withstand high vibrations, extreme temperature fluctuations and other challenges of high altitude can also damage some machining equipment. CNC machining can effectively work with these materials as well as more commonly used ones.
• Custom components: CNC machining can develop custom parts for experimental craft or for the manufacture of a single bespoke private plane.
• Prototyping capabilities: In addition to creating components for aerospace, CNC machining allows engineers to develop and test prototypes rapidly, allowing them to try out new ideas as part of research and development before investing in full-scale production runs.

5-Axis CNC Machining for Aerospace Applications

With 5-axis machining, operators can achieve complex geometries by machining multiple surfaces simultaneously. This improves accuracy, lowers machining costs and reduces setup costs.

5-axis machining tools are shorter, which can create a better quality, more durable finish by greatly reducing cutting vibrations. Shorter CNC machining tools enable aerospace components to withstand harsher environments.

How to Find the Best CNC Machining Services for Aerospace Applications

Finding a partner for CNC aerospace machining means looking for experts who:

• Understand the industry: Micron-level tolerances are essential in some aerospace parts, which are subject to extreme thermal and vibrational stress.
• Can support you with compliance: Look for a partner who can provide you with the materials, traceability and documentation you may need to meet FAA and DoD compliance requirements.
• Have the capabilities you need: For example, at Astro Machine Works, we invest in the most advanced CNC lathes and CNC milling machines, enabling us to create almost any 2D or 3D shape.

Contact Us for Custom CNC Machining for Your Aerospace Application

Astro Machine Works has collaborated with aerospace clients worldwide. Our 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility enables us to offer custom solutions and CNC services for aerospace organizations, as well as prototyping and value-added services, including EDM machining. We also offer custom machine building, rebuilding, repair and refurbishment.

If you need CNC machining for aerospace industry applications, we help get you from idea to final delivery. Explore our services to discover our solutions, or contact our team to learn how we can help with your next project.