5 Things You Need to Know about machining aerospace connectors on a CNC multi-spindle

More manufacturers are considering moving aerospace connector production to a CNC multi-spindle. If you’re in that group, here are five key points to keep in mind.

1Why manufacturers adopt CNC multi-spindles

With the ability to cut cycle times 65% to 75%, we find three leading reasons an aerospace manufacturer will consider a CNC multi-spindle.

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• Free up single-spindle machines for other types of parts, such as landing gear components.
• Allow higher levels of output from the same amount of floorspace.

To determine if a CNC multi-spindle makes sense for your parts, consider three quick criteria:

• Can your parts be machined from bar stock that is 52mm or smaller in diameter? If your parts are larger, you likely require a more traditional machine.
• How balanced is your part complexity? Multi-spindles are most effective when 60% to 80% of the features are on one side of the part.
• How homogeneous is your part mix? Aerospace shops that get the most from a multi-spindle typically produce either large lot sizes of single part numbers, or medium lot sizes of families of parts that share many common features.

3Choosing a CNC multi-spindle

Due to the level of complexity of typical aerospace connectors, most manufacturers will want to select a machine model with the following features:

• Two synchronous spindles for backworking.
• Two tool slides per spindle for maximum flexibility.

4Integrating a CNC multi-spindle

When moving connectors to a CNC multi-spindle, keep in mind these common process-related considerations.

• Consolidate tooling. If you can machine a variety of parts with common tools, you can achieve program-only changeovers that dramatically increase machine utilization.
• Incorporate parametric programming. Having a single program for a family of similar parts further simplifies and streamlines changeovers.

5Selecting a partner

Your success depends on the technology you adopt and on the supplier’s ability to support your operations. When adopting a CNC multi-spindle, choose a company with:

• Aerospace expertise. The aerospace industry presents unique challenges, so select a machine tool builder who understands your business.
• A strong track record of integration. Incorporating a multi-spindle requires rethinking aspects of your operations, so choose a company with a proven record of successfully helping manufacturers integrate the technology.

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