Automated Dispensing for AerospaceApplication
An aerospace manufacturer of jet engine cones needed to improve the process for machining titanium cones that ranged in size up to 60″ in diameter and 84″ long. Their current process required four weeks of machining time to produce each assembly.
Drawing on our extensive experience for dispensing unique materials, Creative Automation engineered a unique dispensing process using a fluid mask and acid etching solution, allowing us to achieve what was essentially a paradigm shift in the manufacturing method used to manufacture these critical aerospace components.
Through a series of specialized experiments, we determined that etching away the titanium was a considerably better manufacturing method than the conventional machining methods previously used. However, precision etching required a mask material that could be dispensed accurately enough to emulate the machining process.
An Innovative Fluid Dispensing Process for Aerospace Manufacturing
Creative Automation designed and fabricated a 4-axis automated fluid mask dispensing system. The process begins by dispensing a basic pattern onto a titanium cone. Next the cone is etched to a depth of approximately 0.060″ to remove material.
Additional passes of precision dispensing and etching produced the required thickness reduction geometry without thinning the support ribs. Production time was improved by 500%, providing the manufacturer with a much more streamlined and cost-effective process.
Serving the Aerospace Sector and Beyond with Custom Automated Fluid Dispensing Solutions
Our innovative digital dispensing technology has provided the aerospace industry with new levels of speed, accuracy, and repeatability. No matter how unique or precise the application, Creative Automation can develop a custom automated solution based around each customer’s requirements.