Precise milling of lightweight materials for maximum safety and quality – CNC machining centres in aviation
Aircraft manufacturing demands supreme safety standards – so the requirements placed on modern production technologies are just as high. Particularly when it comes to delivering environmental protection and safety in an economical way, there is no alternative to using lightweight materials with an integral design. Their low weight, solid and invincible properties mean they are perfect for use in aviation and for milling using CNC machines.
Common materials with an integral design that are used in aircraft manufacturing include performance materials such as lightweight aluminium, industrial thermoplastics, CFRP – carbon fibre reinforced polymers, GFRP – glass fibre reinforced polymers, honeycomb composites, lightweight honeycomb structure material, lightweight structural materials and aerostructures material.
5-axis CNC milling for the aircraft industry
To deliver the perfection that is required in aircraft manufacturing, we work with you to develop 5-axis CNC machining centres that enable you to perform efficient, economical milling. Your specifications and ideas are implemented by our engineers, tailored to suit your components and materials. For example, we develop a CNC milling machine with a rapid and clean output of parts which do not then require any more finishing following the milling process.
CNC MILLING MACHINES INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED FOR YOU
At HG GRIMME SysTech we design and build your CNC machining centre with maximum precision – we are your experienced, reliable partner from planning right through to completion. From seats and soundproofing interior trim elements, engine cowlings, acoustic elements, winglets, wing box lower covers, flaps, spoilers and droop panels through to interior lighting and turbine components: We develop the appropriate CNC machining centre for you with maximum quality.
FAQ: Aerospace & CNC Machines
In the aerospace sector, HG GRIMME SysTech CNC milling machines are primarily used to process lightweight materials such as aluminum, CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic), technical thermoplastics, and honeycomb composites. Typical components include seat shells, interior panels, engine covers, acoustic elements, wing parts, cabin components, and visually demanding parts such as mirrors or lamp covers. The machines are specifically designed for the precise machining of these often complex and delicate components.
The milled components for the aerospace industry are characterized by extremely high dimensional accuracy and surface quality. Our modern 5-axis CNC milling machines make it possible to manufacture components so precisely that post-processing is usually not necessary. Many parts can be further processed or installed immediately after milling. This saves time and ensures consistently high quality.
When machining plastics for aerospace, not only precision but also the visual quality of the components is crucial, as many parts are visible in the final application. This requirement is taken into account in the development of our machines. In addition, the industry often demands very short delivery times and the production of small, customized batches. Our machines are therefore designed for both precision and flexibility, with quick changeover capabilities. Key requirements such as just-in-time delivery and reliable, process-safe production are consistently integrated into our concepts.
5-axis CNC gantry milling systems allow complex geometries to be machined in a single operation. This minimizes the need for reclamping and shortens lead times. In practice, users report that production times per part can be cut by up to half. These systems also provide high flexibility for changing components and specific requirements, such as post-processing thermoformed parts.
The systems can be quickly adapted to process different types of components and materials. Specialized clamping solutions, such as full-aluminum vacuum tables, ensure secure holding even for delicate or complex shapes. Changeover times are short, making the machines suitable for both one-off production and small batches with varying requirements.
By using a 5-axis CNC gantry milling system, Krüger Aviation was able to significantly speed up the processing of thermoformed parts and cut lead times per component in half. The machine enables reliable production of complex plastic parts with high visual quality. Special requests, such as a robust vacuum table, were implemented to meet their specific needs. This allows the company to meet the aerospace industry’s high standards for precision, speed, and flexibility.
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For more details, see the case study ->
Case study
Wanted: CNC machine for sophisticated machining of plastics
Found: 5-axis CNC gantry milling machine from HG GRIMME SysTech
Krüger Aviation, a customer of HG GRIMME SysTech, on using the 5-axis CNC machine in aviation:
“We can now process components with three and five axes on one machine,” says CTO Ingo Horster with great delight. “We can now even mill a variety of different items simultaneously and synchronously on the left and right.” A removable divider panel made of Makrolon makes it possible to set up on one side of the table while milling is performed on the other. The fact that the beam with the milling head does not move from front to back, but from left to right has also been shown to work here. This allows the operator to work without being disturbed at all while the milling process takes place on the second table side. Horster praises the machining, which is now more dynamic and more stable at the same time. In addition, despite the high milling speed, the CNC machine with a gantry design also operates so precisely in the µm range that there is no need for subsequent polishing.
CNC machine for dynamic machining with a milling head mounted on one side
An unusual sight for experts in metalworking is the very compact milling head which can rotate up to a maximum of 540 degrees and can tilt up to 365 degrees. “As the sort of high forces that are common in metalworking do not occur here, we can operate with a milling head mounted on one side,” explains Horster. “We can also use it to mill the typically intricate workpieces very dynamically because we can now tilt the head down a very long way without running the risk of the milling head colliding with the table or the holders.” The risk of collision is now much lower than it was with the previous machine.
Our CNC machining centres
in aviation
Krüger Aviation relies on HG GRIMME SysTech
Take-off in partnership. When the cycle time is halved…
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CNC gantry milling machines G-S-F / G-T-F
The entry-level model for maximum milling precision:
The HG 5-axis CNC gantry single milling machine basic
Safe milling of composite materials
Learn more about our solutions for fibre-reinforced plastics
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