Large Part Machining

CAD/CAM 31 Mar 2010

The Progress of a Progressive Die Maker

This shop sees no long-term threat in the reality of lower prices. Machine tool investments related to various die components allow the shop to use skilled labor more efficiently.

Large Part Machining 11 Mar 2010

Going To Great Lengths

Heidenhain LB 382C sealed linear scales enabled Ingersoll Machine Tools to meet the customer’s requirements for the largest five-axis gantry machine in North America.

Workholding 2 Jun 2009

The Part Is Longer Than The Lathe

Here is one custom machine builder’s system for producing a 40-foot part that has to be passed through the turning center and out the other side. INCLUDES VIDEO.

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Laser & Waterjet 5 Feb 2009

Machining At Mach 3

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

Milling Tools 5 Jan 2009

Side Turn-Milling Of A Massive Crankshaft

This video footage showing the machining of a massive crankshaft suggests some of the possibilities of turn-milling. Not all shops realize possibilities such as this even on their own smaller-scale turn-mill equipment.

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Five-Axis 24 Nov 2008

Getting New Business with Big Machines

These shops saved themselves from dependence on the declining automotive sector thanks in part to their commitment to large-scale machining capacity.

Large Part Machining 16 Oct 2008

The Basics Of Producing Big Parts

This Florence, Kentucky-based machine tool builder uses its own equipment to produce machine tools. Here’s how they succeed at big-part machining on a large five-axis machining center.

Inspection and Measurement 10 Aug 2008

Composites Keep A Big Machine Busy

On-machine inspection is part of the way this shop machines large composite structures efficiently.

Composites Machining 5 Aug 2008

Abrasive Waterjet Helps Make Composites Affordable for Boeing

Boeing overcame fixture costs and other challenges of machining large composite parts by opting for waterjet instead of milling.

Machining Centers 17 Jun 2008

More Than Big Machines

This shop specializes in very large components such as rotor hubs and support bases for wind turbines. Its lineup of large horizontal boring mills can handle parts weighing 40,000 pounds and 12 feet on a side. However, the shop’s success also lies in other manufacturing resources and strategies. These include material handling equipment, customized tooling, special fixtures and wireless, portable measuring systems.