CNC machining is used to produce various products for a wide variety of industries. Thanks to Computer Assisted Designing (CAD) and Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAM), human errors are significantly reduced. In CNC machining, products are cut and carved with great precision using instructions called G-codes. This feature of CNC machining allows products to be manufactured precisely to their 3D CAD file design.
However, the choice of material to use for your next project depends on various factors, such as price, corrosion, and workability. Let’s take a closer look at which material can be used in Aerospace CNC machining.
Utmost precision is crucial when designing products for engineering projects. This becomes a pressing concern when we talk about the Aerospace industry, where flight accuracy is everything. All the materials used in Aerospace CNC machining ensure precision, accuracy, and safety in flights.
One of the critical concerns in the aerospace industry is weight. The lighter the aircraft, the better it will fly and be fuel-efficient. However, lighter materials tend to break apart against wind pressure. Therefore, the primary choice for materials in the aerospace industry is lightweight and sturdy.
Titanium has excellent resistance to extreme temperatures and withstands temperatures up to 600 degrees. It’s the number one choice for consistent performance and longevity. The most sought-after titanium grade is Ti6Al4V, often referred to as Grade 5 or TC4. Titanium is strong and doesn’t break apart against wind pressure. Besides these qualities, it’s highly machinable.
Aluminum is a widely accepted alloy for various industries. In this case, aluminum is also a preferred material for aerospace CNC machining because aluminum is lightweight and easily machinable than titanium. The most common grade for aluminum is Al7075-T6, and widely used in the aerospace industry.
A metal disliked by the aerospace manufacturing industry is steel. Although steel is solid, it is heavy. Hence, an aircraft made of steel won’t be fuel-efficient while also being less flight-supportive.
Considering the complexity and precision requirements for aerospace parts, it makes sense to use CNC machining techniques. CNC reduces the cost of human error while maintaining precision and accuracy working with the most robust materials.
The 5-axis CNC machining copes better with the technicality of aerospace manufacturing, and it’s often preferred over other methods.
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