As an aerospace machining shop committed to innovation and continuous improvement, it was only a matter of time before we progressed from standard CNC milling to multi-axis machining. 

Keep reading to learn how our multi-axis machining capabilities empower us to deliver unparalleled precision and efficiency, setting us apart from other shops offering contract manufacturing in Colorado. 

The Challenge: Machining Complex Parts with Tight Tolerances

We’ve developed a reputation for taking on challenging projects, so we’ve seen an influx of complex parts with features on all sides and tight tolerances. These two factors ultimately drove our decision to implement multi-axis machining at our aerospace machine shop. 

Machining a complex part with features on all sides using a traditional vertical mill requires repositioning the part multiple times. This manual process is not only time-consuming but also increases the risk of error—especially when the part has tight tolerances or standard locational tolerances on different sides that demand perfect alignment. 

If the machinist doesn’t locate the part absolutely perfectly from one setup to the next, there’s a good chance the part won’t meet the customer’s specifications. 

The Solution: Multi-Axis Machining 

Multi-axis machining enables us to reduce operations (i.e., human interference) to ensure accuracy, precision, and speed for the most complex parts. Parts that previously required 4-5 operations on a vertical machine are now achievable in 1-2 operations. Here’s how we do it…

The fourth rotational axis 

With a bit of ingenuity, we transformed two of our vertical machines into 4-axis machines. Now, in addition to the standard X-axis (side to side), Y-axis (forward and back), and Z-axis (up and down), the integrated fourth rotary axis allows us to rotate a part to machine it from all sides without removing it from its fixturing. 

Zero-point fixturing

A cornerstone of each multi-axis machine is the RockLock base, a permanent fixturing setup we invested in for each machine. The RockLock base allows for “easy movement of vises, fixtures, and tooling from machine to machine with no setup time,” enabling incredible precision. For example, we can machine all a part’s OD features, flip the part, and drill tight-tolerance holes on the end without ever having to adjust the fixturing.

How Customers Benefit from Our Multi-Axis Machining Capabilities 

Customers seeking contract manufacturing in Colorado will benefit from our multi-axis machining services in the following ways: 

1. Fast lead times. Due to the efficiency of multi-axis machining, we’ve significantly cut the time it takes for parts to move through our shop. In addition to the machining process itself being faster, parts require fewer quality checks since we’re completing multiple operations in one setup.

2. Incredible accuracy and precision. Reducing the number of setups minimizes the risk of human error that can occur when repositioning a part. As a result, we can achieve tight tolerances and complex features with unbeatable accuracy and precision.

3. Capacity for high-volume work. Another significant benefit of our increased efficiency is that we have the capacity to take on high-volume production orders and deliver them on time—no problem. 

What’s Next at Our Aerospace Machine Shop? 

We currently have two machines equipped for multi-axis machining, with a third hitting the shop floor very soon. In even more exciting news, we’re also preparing to welcome our first 5-axis machine, further enhancing our capabilities. 

Implementing multi-axis and 5-axis machining is about more than just upgrading technology to us; it’s a commitment to our customers that we’re steadfast in our mission to deliver the highest-quality parts in the shortest time. 

Need contract manufacturing in Colorado? Request a quote today, and let us put our advanced technology to work for your complex parts.