Custom Titanium Machining for Aerospace Brackets with CNC Milling and Turning

Background: Aerospace Bracket Requirements

Aerospace brackets support critical structures and systems, requiring high strength, precision, and corrosion resistance. Titanium is the preferred material due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance.

In this project, custom titanium brackets with complex geometries, multiple mounting points, and precise dimensions were required. CNC titanium milling and turning were combined to ensure accuracy, surface quality, and structural integrity.

Material Selection and Machinability Considerations

Titanium alloys were selected for their high strength, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with aerospace standards. Machinability challenges include:

• Low thermal conductivity and localized heat buildup

• Work hardening tendencies during milling and turning

• Maintaining tight tolerances and surface finish

Custom titanium machining required careful planning of tooling, feed rates, and spindle speeds to maintain quality.

CNC Titanium Milling Process

Milling operations included:

• Slot and pocket milling for mounting surfaces

• Contour milling for complex bracket shapes

• Finishing surfaces for assembly interfaces

High-speed machining titanium ensured consistent surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

CNC Titanium Turning Process

Turning operations were applied to:

• Cylindrical standoffs and posts

• Threaded features for fasteners

• Chamfered and rounded edges for assembly

Precision turning minimized tool wear and achieved tight tolerances.

Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Finish

All critical features were held within ±0.01 mm tolerance. Surface finishes met aerospace assembly requirements. CMM and gauge inspections verified dimensional accuracy and functional fit.

Heat Management and Stress Control

Machining parameters were optimized to reduce heat generation and prevent distortion. Stress relief and solution-aging treatments were selectively applied for brackets requiring high dimensional stability.

OEM Support and Engineering Collaboration

Engineering teams collaborated to:

• Optimize milling and turning sequences

• Ensure accurate thread profiles and assembly points

• Validate prototypes before mass production

CAD/CAM tools such as SolidWorks, UG, and CATIA were used. Supported drawing formats included STEP, DWG, DXF, IGS, STL, and PDF.

Applications in Aerospace

Custom titanium machining for CNC milled and turned brackets is widely used for:

• Aircraft structural supports

• Turbine component brackets

• Aerospace systems requiring high-strength, lightweight components

This approach ensures precise, reliable, and durable titanium parts for critical aerospace applications.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates how custom titanium machining, integrating CNC milling and turning, produces high-quality aerospace brackets. Optimized machining parameters, tooling, and inspection protocols ensure dimensionally accurate, strong, and reliable titanium parts for demanding aerospace applications.