Aerospace

Not all landing gear tests require facilities the size of small towns or the ability to land the 787 Dreamliner, which is discussed in the March 2009 cover story of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine. As impressive as Boeing's landing gear tests are (visit the Boeing Web site to view a brief overview of Boeing's landing gear technology), CTE Plus takes a look at the other end of the spectrum.

Don Nelson, publisher of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine, recently sat down with two Sandvik Coromant representatives to learn more about the company's outlook and strategy for the aerospace market, its new CoroMill products and why the company puts such an emphasis on its partnership with end users. Interviewed are Brian Norris, vice president of marketing, and Chris Mills, aerospace development-North America and the company's national portfolio manager.

To increase productivity, the aerospace industry should consider different tool materials for faster cutting speeds, tool coatings for reduced wear, and machine tools for quicker cycle times.

Machine shops and other companies discuss the workpiece materials, machine tools and metalcutting processes needed to make the fasteners that keep aircraft and spacecraft together.

This brief video report features United Titanium employees who demonstrate the production of proprietary threaded titanium fasteners.

Integrating new technology without disturbing production schedules. With demand for aerospace parts booming, can machine shops risk using new technology to boost productivity?

What manufacturers should do to become suppliers of aerospace parts. Making aerospace parts can be lucrative, especially while the industry is experiencing record-setting growth, but manufacturers need to be prepared before quoting those jobs.

Machine and cutting tool requirements for titanium alloys. The art and science of milling titanium to make aerospace parts.

Grinding turbine blades challenges manufacturers.

A flexible and reconfigurable machine tool is used during assembly of aerospace parts.

Airlines are manufacturing more of their own replacement parts.

Producing "high risk" aerospace parts requires unique strategies and tactics.