Aerospace Machining

In the aerospace industry, the slightest defect in an aircraft or spacecraft component can lead to catastrophic consequences. That’s why many manufacturers within the industry rely on computer numerical control (CNC) machining to produce their parts and products. Since the process utilizes computer software to automate manufacturing operations, it carries minimal risk of error when producing critical components to strict tolerances under tight timelines. 

At dti EXACT, we are an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D precision manufacturing company. We offer a range of machining services to customers within the aerospace sector. Our extensive experience, combined with our advanced equipment, enables us to produce small, complex, and precision components to tight tolerances with quick turnaround times, which is why our customers trust us to deliver the parts they need when they need them. 

Aerospace Manufacturing Capabilities at dti EXACT

Our aerospace precision machining capabilities include: 

  • Turning. Turning is a machining process that utilizes cutting tools to remove excess material from a rotating workpiece to produce the desired component. We use advanced CNC turning centers that are equipped with living tooling, which allow us to perform seven-axis machining operations within a single setup. We can work with various standard and exotic materials, such as aluminum, plastic, and steel and aluminum-nickel-bronze alloys and precipitation hardened (PH) stainless steels. Our part capacities include diameters up to 8 inches, lengths up to 20 inches, and dimensional tolerances of ±0.0001 inches or less.
  • Milling. Milling is a machining process that uses rotating cutting tools to remove excess material from a stationary workpiece to produce the desired component. We use vertical milling centers to perform a variety of machining operations, such as drilling, facing, and tapping. We can accommodate a range of common and exotic materials, from aluminum, engineering plastics, and steels to aluminum-nickel-bronze alloys and PH steels. Our part capacities include lengths up to 40 inches or more, widths up to 26 inches, heights up to 25 inches, and tolerances of ±0.0005 or closer.
  • Waterjet cutting. Waterjet cutting is a manufacturing process that uses high-pressure jets of water to cut a workpiece into the desired shape and size. We can perform both standard and abrasive waterjet cutting operations. Our material capabilities include most materials, including standard and exotic metals, plastics, and stones. Our part capacities include lengths up to 96 inches, widths up to 48 inches, and tolerances of ±0.010 or better.

In addition to our machining capabilities, we offer a variety of value-added services to ensure the delivery of components that are fully ready for use, transport, or sale. These services include:

  • Mechanical finishing
  • Assembly
  • Fixturing

Common Materials Used in Aerospace Machining and Manufacturing Projects

Aerospace components can be machined from various materials, depending on their intended application. Some of the most commonly used are: 

Metals: 

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Carbon steel
  • Copper
  • Stainless steel
  • Titanium
  • Specialty alloys

Plastics: 

  • Delrin
  • Nylon
  • PEEK
  • PTFE
  • PVC
  • UHMW

The Importance of Machining Within the Aerospace Industry

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Aerospace Machining

In the aerospace industry, even the slightest imperfection in a component can result in the loss of human life and/or damage to property. For this reason, aerospace parts and products are subjected to strict standards and specifications regarding their design and construction that focus on ensuring they have the proper form, fit, and function for their given application. 

Many aerospace companies turn to CNC machining equipment to meet these requirements and restrictions. The technology enables them to build components to a high degree of precision and accuracy. Typical products that depend on machined pieces include: 

  • Aircraft. Both commercial and military aircraft require highly precise and accurate components to ensure they operate and perform as intended. Typical machined parts include actuators, engine casings, landing gears, motion controls, wing ribs, and more. 
  • Missiles. Missiles generally have hard and long bodies that require specialize equipment to manufacture. CNC equipment can accommodate these harder materials and longer pieces.
  • Spacecraft. Space stations, space vehicles, and many other types of equipment used to explore space have integrated components made via the precision machining process. 

Partner With dti EXACT for Your Aerospace Machining Needs

The precision machining process is ideal for creating components that must meet highly specific specifications and standards, such as aerospace parts and products. If you’re looking for a partner for your next aerospace machining project, turn to the experts at dti EXACT. As an experienced contract machining service provider, we can deliver solutions that meet some of your tightest tolerances, highest standards, and shortest timelines. 

To learn more about our aerospace machining services, check out our capabilities page. To discuss pricing, request a quote