Prospect Group has a few core competencies that we offer the aerospace and defense manufacturing industries, one of which being precision machining. We are experts in composite parts machining and development machining of prototypes for these industries, with a focus on CNC milling and EDM techniques. Composites are very unique materials, and can be some of the most challenging to machine, which is why we place a particular emphasis on our expertise in this area.
CNC Milling
Multi-axis CNC milling is a vital part of producing precision machined parts. Prospect has both 3 and 5 axis machining centers for complex components, all of which are equipped with paper filtration systems and inspection software for quality control. Milling is a common manufacturing technique used to shape workpieces using various cutting tools to remove material and achieve the desired shape. The part is held in place in the chuck and shaped by a high speed rotating tool according to the instructions given by a CAD file.
CNC machines typically work on three axes, but 5-axis CNC equipment works on an additional two axes to produce more complex geometries. The three main axes for any machine are the X, Y, and Z axes, which allow the tooling to move along horizontally and vertically through the machine. 5-axis machines have the added movement of being able to tilt and rotate the cutting tools along the other axes in order to produce more sophisticated designs.
CNC milling, especially multi-axis milling equipment, is vital for producing machined parts that are highly accurate with less setup and downtime in between parts, improving both the quality and efficiency of each production cycle. This process can also provide a good surface finish and tight tolerances, even on particularly complicated geometries. However, a major benefit of CNC milling is its ability to shape materials that can be traditionally difficult to work with, like composites, with the right tools.
CNC EDM
Electrical discharge machining or EDM is another type of machining capability that we use at Prospect. This fabrication process removes material from a workpiece through the use of electrical discharges between two electrodes separated by a dielectric liquid, a polarized electrical insulator. EDM has become common in both production and prototyping, especially for components with critical tolerances, since it does not introduce vibration or cutting pressure like traditional cutting methods.
The main limitation of EDM is that it can only machine materials that are electrically conductive, so it can’t be used on composites or dielectric materials. Prospect typically uses it on aluminum components, especially machined parts that require a finishing touch or need very fine features that can’t be produced with a conventional milling center.
In need of a manufacturer of machined parts for Aerospace applications?
Prospect Group has been serving multiple industries since 1945, and we’ve grown into a trusted partner throughout the Aerospace industry especially. Check out our website today to learn more about what we can do for you.