The Aerospace Precision-Machining Race

摘要

To meet increasing demand, machine tool builders are marshaling new resources, technologies and strategies That huge backlog of aircraft being recorded by the global giants Boeing and Airbus, along with a lengthening list of regional aircraft, is stretching the supply chain's capabilities to machine the newest difficult-to-machine materials. Components must rotate faster, run hotter, and burn cleaner for new jet engine designs that are claimed to be 20% more fuel-efficient. Engines and designs that are structurally lighter are being developed, using advanced materials that challenge existing manufacturing processes. And demand for commercial aircraft isn't going away any time soon. The two-billion people flying today are expected to swell to six billion by 2025, with freight hauling capacity expanding just as dramatically.