Machining times improved]

Citation

(2006), "Machining times improved]", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778dab.003

Machining times improved]

Machining times improved

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Aircraft components

An increase in the quantity, physical size and complexity of incoming contracts for the aerospace sector has led Bristol-based Oldland CMC to invest in its second Edel CyPort 4020 five-axis gantry machining centre from C Dugard of Hove. The second machine order follows the success of the first machine installation that has already enabled part machining times to be improved considerably over a wide range of components.

Oldland's involvement with the blossoming aerospace industry dates back to the original Concorde project, where success and increased investment in CMC technology led to work for the Airbus family of aircraft including the A300/310, A320 and A330/340. However, the European aircraft maker's latest incarnation, the colossal A380, presents components that are bigger, heavier and more demanding than ever before, particularly with respect to structural parts such as wing skins, a particular area of Oldland's expertise.

Some 18 months ago the 50- employee company decided to invest in its first Edel CyPort 4020 five-axis gantry machining centre. Following the success of the machine combined with a rapidly increasing order book, the company then decided to acquire a further machine. Managing Director John Tucker confirms: “Since, the installation of the first Edel we have been more competitive and increased our order book for parts that are ideally suited to a machine of this type and size. We investigated other machines that are available on the market but the benefits of fixturing and tooling interchangeability and experience to date meant another Edel was always going to be the natural choice.”

Using high dynamic torque motors in the A and C axes, the CyPort 4020 features a patented, direct drive milling head for complete simultaneous machining which is put to good use by Oldland producing complex aerospace contours in a single setting. The Heidenhain iTNC 530 controlled machine has a 6,000 mm×2,000 mm table along with spindle and tool setting probes, 3D form inspection software, a 48-station tool changer and through- spindle coolant.

“The real beauty of the Edel is that we can simultaneously machine several small components along with large parts,” confirms John Tucker. “Prior to owning the Edel we could not handle large components for aircraft such as the A380 and by using the five-axis capability of the Edel we have also been able to reduce cycle times on smaller components as well.”

John Tucker also admires the flexibility of the machine's 18,000 revs/ min spindle. “Most of the faster spindle machines available on the market lack any sort of torque, but with the Edel, it's ideal for machining aluminium at 18,000 revs/min and, if required, will happily tackle steel at 250 revs/min.”

Details available from: C Dugard Machine Tools. Tel: +44 (0)1273 732286; web site: www.dugard.com