Zone: Cutting, Nesting, Machining Technology

Managing multi-axis manufacturing

Much early computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery served short-run military and space programs where cost per part was too high to be acceptable in the manufacture of commercial aircraft. Now, Automated CNC machinery moves toward volume production and part-specific design.

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Overview Of:
Cutting, Nesting, Machining Technology

Cutting is typically used to cut carbon fiber and glass fiber fabrics to a specific shape to meet design and part performance requirements. These cut fabrics then are usually placed in or on a tool in a specific location, determined by the part design. Automated cutting can be done on cutting tables, with fabric laid flat and a computer-controlled cutting head moving over it to cut shapes. Nesting refers to the layering of cut fabrics within a part or structure to optimize strength and rigidity Machining typically is done on finished composite components and structures in order to trim the part, drill holes, or to remove excess material, or deflash. Such machining is usually done with metallic bits that use a highly abrasive-resistant material, such as carbide or a diamond coating. Alternatively, composites can be cut with a waterjet system that shoots a stream of ultra high-pressure water through a nozzle to generate a cutting action, or with lasers.