The Role of Rigorous CNC Inspections in Aerospace Parts Manufacturing

The Intersection of Aerospace Manufacturing and CNC Machining

CNC machining is a method that leverages multi-axis machines capable of working with a wide range of materials. This machining process focuses on meeting tight tolerances without jeopardizing the integrity of the result. These capabilities make CNC machining ideal for many industries, including aerospace manufacturing.

Every sector wants to avoid faults or defective parts, but aerospace manufacturing demands it. Components in this industry are subject to strict regulatory requirements, intense operational conditions, and malfunctions can quickly become fatal.

Other manufacturing methods can be used for some less critical aerospace components, but CNC machining and inspection processes ensure vital components are up for the task. 

Reputable manufacturers will also involve CNC part inspections to ensure that final products meet all specifications before being supplied to clients.

Precision Aerospace Manufacturing is Critical

Precision aerospace parts manufacturing is crucial throughout the industry, as complex designs are needed during prototyping and scaling up. Aerospace machining must be able to meet these requirements without jeopardizing the integrity of the materials.

A single faulty component can have fatal consequences, on top of reputation damage and other penalties from regulators. Both precision and durability must be prioritized and tested throughout an aerospace project to ensure the safety of customers and employees.

Why is CNC Inspection Critical in Aerospace Manufacturing?

CNC machining and inspection leverage advanced technologies and engineering expertise to meet aerospace clients’ requirements and industry compliance regulations. A CNC machine typically uses 5 or 9 axes to maneuver materials and use leading-edge cutting methods to achieve a new level of precision, such as:

• 5-Axis CNC Milling
• 9-Axis CNC Mill & Turn
• 5-Axis Water Jet Cutters

Additionally, computer vision can be used throughout and afterward for CNC inspection processes to ensure the final product meets all specifications. A CNC inspection involves thorough testing to ensure durability and adherence to defined tolerances. 

Here at GN, our CNC inspections and quality assurance processes leverage experienced technicians and advanced technologies to identify any possible defects before shipping an order.

Aerospace CNC Machined Parts: A Closer Look

CNC machining can use a wide range of materials and produce parts found throughout an aerospace project. Common components manufactured with CNC machining are:

• Valve components:These components are found throughout an aircraft and must remain secure and effective in intense conditions.
• Electrical components: CNC machining can produce complex and critical electrical connectors and mounting equipment.
• Engine components: Any essential engine components that require precision manufacturing to ensure quality, durability, and performance.
• Structural components: Specialized components, including fuselage, wings, and other structural parts.
• Landing system components: Any component that is essential to the plane’s landing systems.

Plenty of other parts found throughout aerospace parts manufacturing often use CNC machining, too. CNC can work with other components that require lightweight metals, such as aluminum and titanium or high-performance plastics, which is why CNC aerospace product and parts manufacturing has become so popular.

CNC Part Inspection Techniques and Technologies

Inspections are a crucial aspect of the overall CNC machining process. Every manufacturing provider may have unique processes, so we’ll use ourselves as an example to demonstrate how inspections are typically conducted:

• First article inspection:We begin by thoroughly inspecting the first component in a production run. This stage ensures all specs and benchmarks are met before continuing.
• In-process inspection: Our technicians evaluate components throughout the machining process to make sure quality standards are being met and then implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Final inspection: Once a run is complete, technicians conduct a thorough inspection of all parts and conduct any necessary tests prior to being dispatched or moved onto the assembly.
• SPC (Statistical Process Control):This advanced technology uses statistics tools and techniques to monitor the production process continuously. Any trends or variations that deviate from expected results can indicate quality issues and alert technicians to the suspected problem.

Our comprehensive inspections are why we’ve earned a reputation as a leader in the CNC aerospace parts manufacturing market. We make sure every part meets your specifications and provides the durability you need.

Ensuring Quality and Compliance in Aerospace Manufacturing

Quality control is critical for the aerospace industry. Any compromises in quality can have catastrophic consequences down the line. Several industry standards have emerged to dictate and enforce quality control across all manufacturers.

CNC machining and inspection processes need to consider and adequately address compliance requirements in addition to client specifications. GN is fully compliant with the following aerospace and manufacturing industry standards:

• AS9100D
• ISO 9001:2015
• ISO 45001:2018
• ISO 14001:2015
• Controlled Goods Program

Failing to comply with these standards may result in failing an audit, fatal accidents, or widespread reputation damage. Ensuring quality and ongoing compliance is critical for the lasting success of any aerospace company.

Overcoming Common CNC Machining Challenges

CNC machining is far from a simple process; which introduces several challenges that machining companies must solve. Otherwise, these organizations may struggle to produce components that lack the precision and durability required by the aerospace industry.

A few of these key challenges are:

• Tooling life: CNC machine tools wear and tear just like other equipment, but if left unchecked, these tools can produce lacking or defective end products. Continuous inspection and replacement of these tools are vital for maintaining quality.
• Achieving precision:We’ve mentioned precision as an inherent part of CNC machining, but it’s not a given. Failing to account for vibrations, thermal expansion, or machine backlash can affect precision. Experienced technicians can account for these variables.
• Complex part designs:Being able to handle complexity is another key benefit of CNC machines, but just like precision, it requires foresight and expertise. During prototyping in CAD, running CNC simulations is important to understanding how the machine may produce your design.

Overcoming these challenges requires training, experience, and leading-edge technologies. It’s vital for aerospace organizations to partner with a CNC manufacturer equipped to overcome these challenges.

Aerospace Companies Need a Reputable CNC Machining Partner

A single faulty component in the aerospace industry can be life-threatening, incur compliance penalties, and create long-term reputation damage. These high stakes make it necessary for aerospace companies to leverage aerospace parts CNC machining manufacturing and inspection for complex designs that must be durable.

GNis a leading provider of CNC machining with decades of experience throughout the manufacturing industry. Our leading-edge technologies and in-house experts ensure that every component we manufacture meets all specifications, which includes rigorous inspection processes.

Are you ready to benefit from the precision and reliability of CNC machining for aerospace?

Book a demo today to discover why GN is one of the leading aerospace parts manufacturing companies to partner with for your next project.