ExpandWorldwide Instrument Parts Company (WIPCO) manufactures specialty components for demanding applications, including high-precision aerospace components. These components offer exceptional performance and reliability while meeting exact specifications. We are committed to continual innovation in the aerospace industry and understand just how crucial aerospace components are in promoting the efficiency, functionality, and safety of spacecraft and aircraft.
A number of machining processes can be used to manufacture aerospace components while meeting tight tolerances and industry requirements, including CNC milling and CNC turning. This article explores WIPCO’s manufacturing processes and quality assurance practices in the aerospace sector, as well as future trends for aerospace components.
What Are Aerospace Components?
Aerospace components consist of various systems and parts that are crucial for spacecraft and aircraft. Parts can range from simple fasteners and cockpit parts to complex avionics and turbine or compressor blades.
Aerospace components are designed for durability and dependability, so they can withstand extreme or variable operating conditions. Precision machining is key to maintaining safe operations, as even the slightest imperfection can adversely affect aerospace components and lead to mechanical failure.
Aerospace CNC machining offers enhanced capabilities, allowing manufacturers to work throughout design and manufacturing processes to produce higher-quality parts that can meet tighter tolerances. Aerospace components must be capable of withstanding harsh conditions and holding up in mission-critical applications. These vital parts must also meet stringent inspection criteria and industry requirements before they can be used in spacecraft or aircraft.
Types of Aerospace Components
Aerospace components are typically constructed using high-strength, heat-resistant, lightweight materials such as composites and titanium. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety and performance of a diverse range of aviation systems.
Manufacturing Processes for Aerospace Components
Manufacturing aerospace components with the precision and accuracy required for flight can prove challenging. Some of these challenges include:
- Selecting a material that can withstand the demands of extreme external environments
- Relying on quality control and advanced machining capabilities to achieve tight tolerances per the application’s specific requirements
- Realizing complex geometries
- Utilizing non-destructive inspection and testing methods for defects
- Providing cost-effective products despite the high costs of labor and materials
WIPCO utilizes the following processes to ensure the successful production of precise, accurate aerospace components.
CNC Machining
WIPCO employs 5-axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for precision aerospace component manufacturing. CNC machines follow programmed instructions to create complex shapes with high accuracy.
CNC machining can generate hard-to-machine plastic and metal parts with tolerances as tight as ±0.0002 inches by utilizing the following:
- CNC Milling (rotating cutting tools)
- CNC Turning (rotating workpieces)
- Precision Grinding
Aerospace applications rely on the above to produce common components such as:
- Bushings
- Clamps
- Custom Parts
- Hinges
Our cutting-edge computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) software help us produce precision CNC-machined parts that meet the demands of the aerospace industry.
Materials for Aerospace Machined Parts
The aerospace industry requires durable, lightweight, and high-strength materials for proper performance. Aluminum is a frequently used material in aerospace machined parts and is vital for manufacturing critical aerospace components such as airplane wings and fuselage structures.
Aluminum is available in several alloy forms, including the following:
- Alloy Series 2xxx
- Alloy Series 6xxx
- Alloy Series 7xxx
Each series has specific properties machined aerospace parts might require to perform reliably in demanding aerospace environments, including high corrosion resistance and strength-to-weight ratios. These materials generally offer impressive dampening, weight, thermal endurance, and mechanical stability.
The Complete Guide to Aerospace Machining Materials
In this free guide, we’ll discuss the characteristics of aerospace
materials and the applications they’re used in.
Custom Solutions for Aerospace Parts Manufacturing
From simple parts to complex components made of difficult-to-machine materials, WIPCO can handle it all. Our experienced team collaborates closely with clients during the design phase to manufacture custom aerospace components that meet your specific demands.
Our engineers work to optimize designs with a focus on:
- Compatibility
- Performance
- Weight
WIPCO’s rapid prototyping services and iterative design cycles are based on feedback and testing, suggesting possible improvements and allowing for necessary adjustments throughout the process. All prototypes are thoroughly evaluated before beginning full-scale production.
Partner with WIPCO for Superior Aerospace Components
Worldwide Instrument Parts Co. provides a diverse range of precision-engineered aerospace components that meet the highest industry standards. We maintain our ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certifications and implement careful inspections as part of our commitment to quality. We use our industry experience to deliver aerospace components of varying complexity, with computerization and automation capabilities that promote consistency and accuracy in component production processes.
Our commitment to quality and advanced technologies make us the perfect partner for aerospace applications. We can work with a range of materials, tools, and processes to meet your specific requirements. With over two decades of experience machining precision aerospace components, WIPCO continues to offer exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery.
Contact us today to learn more about our machining capabilities and services. You can also request a quote to see how we can support your aerospace project. Let WIPCO be your trusted partner in aerospace manufacturing. We’ll help you achieve excellence every step of the way.