Aerospace Precision Machining and Sub-Assembly Manufacturing
Everything that you see flying in the sky today is engineered for extreme performance. Aircraft fuselages and frames, fluid control valves and parts, engine components, and propulsion assemblies all require precision engineering and manufacturing.
Aerospace precision machining experts often offer sub-assembly machining services as well, providing complete solutions that minimize supply chain headaches while maximizing quality.
Learn more about how aerospace precision machining and sub-assembly services can benefit your company.
What is Aerospace Precision Machining?
Precision machining is exactly what it sounds like – taking a raw piece of material and machining it down to precise measurements with high tolerances using advanced CNC equipment. The parts produced are typically very complex and designed to fit into assemblies with other components that are just as precisely machined.
Typical aerospace components made with aerospace precision machining include:
- Aircraft frames and structures
- Engine components
- Propulsion components
- Valve bodies and manifolds
- Housings
- Aircraft cylinders
- Mechanical assemblies
Common materials used in aerospace manufacturing include aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other specialty metals.
Tight Tolerances Are Critical When Producing Aviation Parts
Every component on an aircraft is responsible for withstanding stress, vibration, and dramatic shifts in temperature. Each individual part needs to fit perfectly with other components to ensure the highest level of performance and durability.
High precision CNC machining helps produce parts that will last by ensuring:
- Precise geometry
- Smooth surface finishes
- Proper performance and efficiency
- Less wear and tear
- Decreased fatigue
Even the slightest miscalculation can affect overall performance. That is why it is important to work with an aerospace machining company experienced in manufacturing aviation parts.
Offering Complete Solutions With Sub-Assembly Services
In addition to machining individual parts, some manufacturers offer sub-assembly services. With sub-assemblies, multiple parts are assembled into a larger component before being shipped for final integration.
Sub-assembly services can include:
- Mechanical assembly
- Installation of hardware
- Precision alignment
- Functional testing
- Quality verification
Benefits of sub-assemblies include:
- Fewer suppliers to manage
- Decreased logistics complexity
- Improved quality control
- Faster build times
- Lower overall costs
Customers receive a ready-to-install assembly instead of a pile of individual parts.
Completing Complex Parts with Aerospace CNC Machining
Machining parts for the aerospace industry requires access to advanced CNC technology. Components can have complex geometries and may require multi-axis machining.
Technologies used in aerospace precision machining include:
- 5-axis CNC milling machines
- Multi-axis turning centers
- Palletized automation
- Unattended machining
- Inspection and metrology
These technologies allow manufacturers to produce complex parts with fewer setups and higher precision.
Working With Hard-to-Machine Aerospace Materials
Aerospace materials are known for high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and extreme temperature tolerance. However, they can be difficult to machine.
Common aerospace materials include:
- Titanium
- Aerospace-grade aluminum
- Stainless steel
- High-temperature alloys
- Other specialty metals
Experienced manufacturers know the correct cutting strategies, tooling, and process controls needed to machine these materials consistently.
Delivering High-Value Solutions With Sub-Assembly Services
Precision machining companies that offer sub-assembly services provide high-value solutions by combining component manufacturing and assembly capabilities.
Working with aerospace and defense clients requires parts to be reliable, traceable, and repeatable. Applications include:
- Commercial aircraft
- Military aircraft
- Space and satellite systems
- Defense sector components
W Machine Works provides high-performance parts that last by combining aerospace precision machining with rigorous quality control and efficient processes.