CNC MACHINING FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY: THE COMPLETE RUNDOWN

Meeting the Challenges of Aerospace Machining

Tight tolerances. Complex workpieces. Low volumes. Difficult-to-machine materials. Workforce headaches. These are all challenges familiar to shops serving the aerospace industry, and at Ellison Technologies, we’re here to help you take them head on.

The opportunities in aerospace machining are huge. The space exploration business is booming, commercial aviation is coming back in a big way and new defense programs require support from technically proficient shops. On top of the opportunities, making parts that help planes fly at 36,000 feet and satellites reach orbit is personally satisfying—and an absolute rush.

So how can you be prepared to take advantage of current opportunities and ready your business for the future? That’s what we’re covering here. To start, here are three things to help get your aerospace machining business off the ground and up to cruising altitude.

Invest in the right machining technology.

In the CNC aerospace machining business, high precision, exceptional rigidity and high-performance spindles are merely table stakes. The key for many profitable aerospace shops is their ability to invest in CNC machines that give them the flexibility to take on a range of high-mix, low-volume work. When you’re adding new equipment, make sure to not just look at increasing your capacity, but augmenting your shop floor with machines that can take on a wide range of complex aerospace machining work.

Get familiar with new materials.

While there are opportunities within the aerospace industry for the machining of traditional materials, the product mix also brings in materials that many shops aren’t yet familiar with. Engine components require titanium and superalloys such as Inconel, Hastelloy, Waspaloy and other difficult-to-machine materials that end in “oy.” New lightweight materials including ceramic matrix composites (CMC), carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and polymer matrix composites (PMC) are needed to create stronger and lighter structural components. Being well versed in the complexities of machining these materials is core to standing out.

Partner with companies that have flown this path before

This is a not-so-subtle plug for Ellison Technologies (you’re on our website; what were you expecting?). We’ve been in business since 1955 and have supported the aerospace industry since day one. We work with our carefully cultivated list of vendor partners to bring tailored aerospace machining solutions to your shop floor. Ellison Technologies has offices in 16 cities staffed with applications engineers that are always ready to help you Make More.