Delcam will promote its wide range of software and services for the aerospace manufacturing and MRO industries at AIRTEC exhibition to be held in Munich from 3rd to 5th November. These services can help aerospace companies whenever they need to increase productivity, to reduce lead times or to improve quality and consistency.
Recent developments using Delcam software include a novel method for blisk machining produced in partnership with Technicut cutting tools. The new process, which was programmed with the PowerMILL CAM system, delivered a 51% saving in cycle time and a 45% reduction in milling costs. A video demonstration can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nqbQHV1Ew
Another successful partnership, this time with Iruba, a German provider of engineered solutions, and machine-tool manufacturer Hermle, lead to a novel method for the creation of “fir-tree” profiles. It allows these complex shapes to be produced on milling machines, such as the Hermle C60 five-axis machining centre, rather than having to use specialist broaching equipment. The use of PowerMILL’s trochoidal strategies to program the operation gives a number of benefits, in particular high material removal rates with lower, and more consistent, cutting forces as can be seen in the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcU3LaZA9yA.
Delcam has also completed many projects on the use of robots to replace manual finishing operations, including a system for the polishing of turbine blades by robot developed in association with Finland-based JOT Automation. This uses an ABB robot driven by a combination of Delcam software including PowerMILL Robot and PowerINSPECT and can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK4x1U0E-fk
Delcam is also working on additive manufacturing, with the company’s adaptive machining technology used to program hybrid machines like those produced by Hamuel. This combines five technologies in one unit – five-axis CNC milling, laser cladding, robot polishing, inspection and laser marking, all programmed with Delcam software. An example of the machine’s use for blade repair can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kZOE6KP8U8.
These latest projects continue a trend that has seen Delcam systems used, at some stage, on virtually every major aircraft programme in recent years. The company’s customers have undertaken projects in all the various areas that go towards producing a successful aircraft, from developing more fuel-efficient engines, to manufacturing airframe components more effectively, and even in designing more comfortable and more attractive interiors. They have worked on all scales of project, from the manufacture of components for UAVs and helicopters up to the production of engines and airframes for the largest passenger and transport aircraft.
Delcam also supports a large number of MRO operations. These companies use Delcam systems to enable the fast, efficient repair or replacement of damaged components. By minimising design and manufacturing times, while maintaining the highest levels of quality, repairs can be completed as quickly as possible, so minimising the time-on-ground of the aircraft.
