Single Cell Machining

The machining of structures from materials such as titanium is typically accomplished using end mills and roughing 90 to 95 percent of the material to leave precise, complex features on thin-walled structures. High-speed machining is widely used in the manufacture of parts and reduces labor significantly. Single Cell Machining will be developed to produce structures that require machining and low-stress grinding in a single cell with minimal operator input. Based on the Phase I effort, several key systems were identified that require further development to produce the Single Cell Machining concept. The development of these systems to create a Single Cell Machining system is projected to enable a reduction of up to 60% in unit cost, depending on material and part geometry. Also, the key systems developed may be applied to machining techniques and equipment beyond Single Cell Machining.