Exelis adds 5-axis CNC machining capability

Exelis (Rochester, N.Y., USA) announced on Oct. 15 the addition of a 5-axis CNC machining center to its precision structures business. The large (15 by 20 by 5 ft) DMS (Colorado Springs, Colo., USA) machining center significantly increases the size of the structures Exelis can machine while simultaneously delivering improved accuracy and repeatability in its manufacturing process, representing continued significant investment in the company’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and analytics capability.

Exelis manufactures highly engineered composite structures that can perform under the most extreme operating environments and deliver enhanced system performance. Exelis composite-based precision structures are used for a broad range of government and commercial applications for aircraft, spacecraft and land-based applications.

“Our new 5-axis CNC machining center is an important addition to our overall structures operation,” says Joe Phillips, director of precision structures for Exelis. “Exelis is now able to provide our customers with a larger range of products at improved costs, reduced schedule time and improved quality.”

Projects/structures for which Exelis has fabricated components include Chandra, James Webb Space Telescope, GeoEye-1, Geoeye-2, WorldView-1, WorldView-2, WorldView-3, GOES-R and Himawari-8.