The success or failure of aerospace operations depends on the accuracy, precision and quality of the components used. For this reason, aerospace companies utilize advanced manufacturing techniques and processes to ensure that their components fully meet their needs. While new manufacturing methods such as 3D printing are rapidly gaining popularity in the industry, traditional manufacturing methods such as machining continue to play a key role in the production of parts and products for aerospace applications. Such as better CAM programs, application-specific machine tools, enhanced materials and coatings, and improved chip control and vibration damping - have significantly changed the way aerospace companies manufacture critical aerospace components. However, sophisticated equipment alone is not enough. Manufacturers must have the expertise to overcome the material processing challenges of the aerospace industry.
The manufacture of aerospace parts first requires specific material requirements. These parts typically require high strength, low density, high thermal stability and corrosion resistance to handle extreme operating conditions.
Common aerospace materials include:
1. High strength aluminum alloy
High-strength aluminum alloys are ideal for aircraft structural parts because of their light weight, corrosion resistance and ease of processing. For example, 7075 aluminum alloy is widely used in the manufacture of aerospace parts.
2. titanium alloy
Titanium alloys have excellent strength to weight ratio and are widely used in aircraft engine parts, fuselage components and screws.
3. Superalloy
Superalloys maintain strength and stability at high temperatures and are suitable for engine nozzles, turbine blades and other high-temperature parts.
4. Composite material
Carbon fiber composites perform well in reducing structural weight, increasing strength and reducing corrosion, and are commonly used in the manufacture of casings for aerospace parts and spacecraft components.
Process planning and design
Process planning and design are required before processing. At this stage, it is necessary to determine the overall processing scheme according to the design requirements of the parts and material characteristics. This includes determining the process of processing, the choice of machine tool equipment, the selection of tools, etc. At the same time, it is necessary to carry out detailed process design, including the determination of cutting profile, cutting depth, cutting speed and other parameters.
Material preparation and cutting process
In the process of aerospace parts processing, the first need to prepare working materials. Usually, the materials used in aviation parts include high-strength alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy and so on. After the material preparation is completed, the cutting process is entered.
This step involves the selection of machine tools, such as CNC machine tools, lathes, milling machines, etc., as well as the selection of cutting tools. The cutting process needs to strictly control the feed speed, cutting speed, cutting depth and other parameters of the tool to ensure the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the parts.
Precision machining process
Aerospace components are usually very demanding in terms of size and surface quality, so precision machining is an indispensable step. At this stage, it may be necessary to use high-precision processes such as grinding and EDM. The goal of the precision machining process is to further improve the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the parts, ensuring their reliability and stability in the aviation field.
Heat treatment
Some aerospace parts may require heat treatment after precision machining. The heat treatment process can improve the hardness, strength and corrosion resistance of the parts. This includes heat treatment methods such as quenching and tempering, which are selected according to the specific requirements of the parts.
Surface coating
In order to improve the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of aviation parts, surface coating is usually required. Coating materials can include cemented carbide, ceramic coating, etc. Surface coatings can not only improve the performance of parts, but also extend their service life.
Assembly and testing
Do parts assembly and inspection. At this stage, the parts need to be assembled in accordance with the design requirements to ensure the accuracy of the match between the various parts. At the same time, rigorous testing is required, including dimensional testing, surface quality testing, material composition testing, etc., to ensure that parts meet aviation industry standards.
Strict quality control: The quality control requirements of aviation parts are very strict, and strict testing and control are required at each processing stage of aviation parts to ensure that the quality of parts meets the standards.
High precision requirements: Aerospace components typically require very high accuracy, including dimensional accuracy, shape accuracy and surface quality. Therefore, high-precision machine tools and tools need to be used in the processing process to ensure that the parts meet the design requirements.
Complex structure design: Aviation parts often have complex structures, and it is necessary to use multi-axis CNC machine tools and other equipment to meet the processing needs of complex structures.
High temperature resistance and high strength: aviation parts usually work in harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure, so it is necessary to choose high temperature resistance and high strength materials, and carry out the corresponding heat treatment process.
Overall, aerospace parts processing is a highly technology-intensive, precision demanding process that requires strict operating processes and advanced processing equipment to ensure that the quality and performance of the final parts can meet the stringent requirements of the aviation sector.
Aerospace parts processing is challenging, mainly in the following areas:
Complex geometry
Aerospace parts often have complex geometrics that require high-precision machining to meet design requirements.
Super alloy processing
The processing of superalloys is difficult and requires special tools and processes to handle these hard materials.
Large parts
The parts of the spacecraft are usually very large, requiring large CNC machine tools and special processing equipment.
Quality control
The aerospace industry is extremely demanding on part quality and requires rigorous quality control and inspection to ensure that every part meets the standards.
In aerospace parts processing, precision and reliability are key. A deep understanding and fine control of materials, processes, precision and machining difficulties is the key to manufacturing high-quality aerospace parts.