Drilling Machine for Aerospace Handles Irregular Workpieces

Unisig has extended its B-series machines for on-center drilling of cylindrical workpieces with the B700 Drop Bed machine designed to generate critical features on large and irregularly-shaped aerospace components such as landing gear struts. The machine’s flexibility also enables it to process medium-size, uniformly-shaped workpieces with minimal change-over time, the company says.

According to Unisig, the B700 combines an expansive working range and servo-programmable headstock capability with a streamlined footprint. A 63" (1,600-mm) swing-over-bed along with the programmable moving headstock enable the machine to process parts ranging from 20" to 157" (500 to 4,000 mm). In addition to high-precision deep-hole drilling, the machine is capable of other complex deep-hole machining operations necessary for the production of aerospace parts such as axles, beams, control rods and components for actuators. A 250-gpm coolant flow provides heat reduction, efficient chip evacuation and surface finish quality.

The drilling machine’s preloaded drive system combined with high horsepower and an in-process feedback system for real-time monitoring ensure performance and process control. With a 126-hp tool spindle and 90-hp work spindle, the machine productively solid bores ranging to 8" (200 mm) in diameter and counterbores to 12" (300 mm).