Precision is at the heart of aerospace innovation. This industry demands tighter tolerances, lightweight yet high-strength materials, complex geometries, and regulatory and safety compliance. CNC grinding is a critical enabler of modern aerospace manufacturing, transforming aerospace component production, and offering precision, repeatability, scalability, and cost efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at how MultiSource Manufacturing provides expert CNC grinding services that support aerospace OEMs and Tier 1-3 suppliers.
How CNC Grinding Is Transforming Aerospace Manufacturing
Common challenges facing aerospace component producers include the need for extreme precision, tight tolerances, and minimal deviations, because of their impact on flight safety, component lifespan, and system performance. Aerospace parts can also have complex component geometries, and it can be difficult to achieve consistent results with conventional machining.
Aerospace materials are typically advanced and difficult-to-machine. These materials include titanium alloys, inconel, hardened steels, and more, and these materials can encounter issues such as heat generation, tool wear, and material deformation. In addition, this market requires strict regulatory and quality standards. For instance, aerospace components must follow AS9100 compliance, following important documentation, traceability, and repeatability requirements.
Fortunately, CNC grinding solves many of these challenges. Types of CNC grinding used in aerospace include surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, centerless grinding, tool and cutter grinding, and multi-axis and 5-axis grinding systems. CNC grinding helps to achieve unmatched precision and consistency with repeatability across high- and low-volume production, as well as reduced scrap and rework rates. It can also enable complex and lightweight designs that are critical to fuel efficiency, as well as improved aerodynamic and structural performance.
This process results in superior surface finish and functional performance, which is valuable in aerospace, resulting in fatigue resistance, wear reduction, and corrosion resistance. Additionally, it results in faster production cycles and scalability, as well as shorter lead times and seamless transition from prototyping to full-scale production.
In contrast, conventional milling and turning can result in inconsistent finishes and difficulty achieving final tolerances. CNC grinding offers more cost efficiency and higher quality, which is invaluable in the aerospace market.
Aerospace applications that benefit from CNC grinding include engine and turbine components like shafts and blades which require precision finishing and heat-resistant materials, landing gear and structural components which must bear high loads and have fatigue resistance, and sensor components which often include miniature, high-precision parts and have precise specifications. Above all else, these aerospace components require the utmost accuracy.
How MultiSource’s CNC Grinding Services Support Aerospace Manufacturers
At MultiSource Manufacturing, our comprehensive CNC grinding services give us the ability to handle complex geometries and tight tolerances. Our high-quality complex grinding and deburring services enable us to refine your components to your preferred finishes and dimensions. We also offer CNC inter diameter and outer diameter grinding. With our expertise in the aerospace industry, we are able to comply with important aerospace quality standards, and we also provide DFM support, flexible production, and reliable lead times.
Choosing the right CNC grinding partner is strategically critical, and MultiSource Manufacturing offers precision, reliability, and compliance. Connect with our team today to learn more.