Anyone who’s worked with wind turbine blades or just seen one up close can attest to the massive size of these clean-energy workhorses. Ever thought about what happens to that costly, high-tech material once the blade reaches the end of its lifespan in 20 years or so?
Abrasive machining is a tried-and-true technology for meeting exacting tolerances and producing superior finishes. Manufacturers continue to develop new capabilities.
Burrs, sharp edges, and rough surfaces plague even the most precise metal-cutting or forming process. Deburring and finishing can often be treated as the step-child of a manufacturing process, but its importance is growing as tolerances get tighter and precision devices become the norm.
Until the middle of 2010, first-tier subcontract machinist, JJ Churchill, could produce turbine blades only if they had their fir-tree root-forms preground elsewhere, or if they were subsequently added by another subcontractor. No longer is this the case.
Jared Leick, machining center product group manager of Mazak Corp. discusses how horizontal machining and automation revolutionized production at Aerotech inc., enhancing precision and productivity in high-mix/low-volume manufacturing.
Unlocking the Future of Manufacturing: Key Insights from FABTECH 2023
Experience the future of precision aerospace manufacturing as Starrag partners with Zeiss to revolutionize accuracy and efficiency.
Unlock the secrets of improved surface grinding!
There’s a type, geometry and coating for virtually any application or material.
The program is equipped to solve wide range of unique grinding and finishing challenges through its Robotic Automation Cell Anchors Program