The Aerospace Industry
Feb 23, 2015Airplanes are usually constructed from aluminum and composite parts. For manufacturers like Boeing, equipment that is ideally suited for machining aluminum and composite materials is essential. At CMS, we have developed state-of-the-art technology specifically for the advanced materials that Boeing uses to build aircraft. In fact, our technology is highly effective for machining everything from aluminum sheet stacks to polycarbonate honeycomb. In this case study, we will focus on low temperature cure composites and hybrid composite/metal structures.
CMS ARES 5 Axis Machine for Composites and Aluminum
Boeing collaborated with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) to launch a new initiative called The Composite and Advanced Materials and Technology Center (CAMTeC). CAMTeC focuses exclusively on hybrid and low temperature cure composites. The engineers at CAMTeC needed a machine that was versatile enough to work with all types of composite materials as well as various grades of aluminum. To that end, they chose the ARES 5 Axis Machine from CMS. Why? CAMTeC Composite Center Manager, Richard Scaife, explains:
“We were looking for a very high-performance and flexible machine for the machining of all types of composite materials and grades of aluminum. We spent a lot of time researching the market; after a short list was created the remaining contenders were put through a series of tests to evaluate the rigidity of their structure and the quality of the machined parts produced. Based on these tests it was decided to purchase the ARES 5 axis machine from CMS. The trials carried out included a TAP test (this test is a major evaluation tool used before the purchase of any machine by the AMRC), which uses a sophisticated software package to check the overall stiffness of the machine structure, the results of Ares machines tests were impressive and confirmed our opinion that it was the right machine for the job.”
A year after putting the ARES 5 into action, Scaife says, “We are really delighted with how the machine performs and are actually using it more than we originally thought; and our partners have never complained about the quality of the parts manufactured, and it is now the real heart of the Composite Centre.”
CNC Machining for Aerospace
CMS offers a full complement of CNC machines for aerospace manufacturing. Our machines perform important tasks such as:
- Drilling, cutting and trimming of composite parts
- Honeycomb cutting
- Aluminum sheet stack cutting
- Drilling and cutting of calendared and extruded aluminum
Precision and Consistency: Why CNC Machining is a Must for Aerospace
Aircraft frequently undergo detailed inspections. If a plane does not meet regulatory standards, it cannot be used. Therefore, it’s vitally important that aircraft parts meet regulatory specifications. CMS CNC machines are capable of producing parts with the kind of accuracy that the aerospace industry requires. Moreover, our machines can cut the same precise shapes over and over again. Boeing chose our machines because they are capable of delivering the level of quality that Boeing expects, and because they are capable of working with a range of materials.
CNC technology helps to increase output and overall efficiency, which helps companies like Boeing keep costs low and production high.
CMS Partners with AMRC
CMS is a member of AMRC, which means we can collaborate on new projects with other AMRC members. If your company is a member of AMRC, contact CMS North America to discuss what we can do to develop new products that will benefit you and your customers.