March 2009 Issue

March 2009

Cover Story

Machining At Mach 3

Airbus invested in abrasive waterjet for machining CFRP components. Here is why.

Features

Featured articles from the March 2009 issue of Modern Machine Shop

Aerospace 26 Jan 2009

What Is The Right Way To Become An Aerospace Shop?

This Atlanta shop succeeded at becoming an aircraft-industry parts supplier. The lessons of its success have a lot to do with commitment and enthusiasm.

Milling Tools 3 Feb 2009

How To Machine Aircraft Titanium: Getting The Metal Out

Part of a series of articles on machining pockets in titanium parts, this article describes various options for roughing the hard metal efficiently.

Inspection and Measurement 20 Feb 2009

Multi-Sensor CMM Eases Micro-Measuring

By combining an optical sensor and a touch probe, the F25 CMM from Carl Zeiss enables users to use the same machine platform to perform metrology operations on a variety of miniature parts.

Measurement 13 Feb 2009

Vision System Brings On-Machine Measurement To Ram EDM

Vision technology tailored to ram EDM allows shops to measure a part as it remains fixtured on a spark-erosion machine.

13 Feb 2009

MMS Online Launches New Aerospace Machining Zone

The newly expanded Zone dedicated to machining aircraft parts includes separate areas focused on machining titanium, machining aluminum and machining composites.

Basics 4 Feb 2009

How To Machine Aircraft Titanium: The 8-To-1 Rule For Finishing Walls And Ribs

Part of a series of articles on more efficient machining of pockets in titanium parts, this article makes the case for a tool with many cutting edges, and describes how best to apply it.

Milling Tools 2 Feb 2009

How To Machine Aircraft Titanium: Plunge And Sweep For Finishing Corners

Part of a series of articles on more efficient machining of pockets in titanium parts, this article describes an effective approach to finishing internal corners.

Titanium Machining 1 Feb 2009

How To Machine Aircraft Titanium: Pricing The Process Instead Of The Tool

Part of a series of articles on more efficient machining of pockets in titanium parts, this article describes the importance of considering all of the costs that are affected by the choice of cutting tool.

Grinding 13 Feb 2009

Compact Gaging System Allows In-Process Inspection On Small Grinding Machines

This new gaging system not only is compact enough to install on small grinding machines, but also can measure a part’s OD, ID and length to sub-micron accuracy.

Inspection and Measurement 13 Feb 2009

Laser On Multi-Sensor Inspection Systems Works In Deep Slots

A new laser system gives multi-sensor measurement equipment more flexibility. This system improves the equipment's ability to measure deep recesses and features with high walls.

Basics 5 Feb 2009

How To Machine Aircraft Titanium (Introduction To A Series)

Choose cutters, depths and tool paths with attention to particular steps in the process, and you can machine titanium more efficiently than you might suspect. Boeing offers practical tips.