Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machining
Since 1975 Barber-Nichols, Inc. (BNI) has been a world leader in the turning and milling of tightly toleranced turbomachinery. BNI's average programmer/machinist has been with the company for 14 years and has more than 22 years of industry experience.
Complementing the expertise of its employees, Barber-Nichols invests heavily in state-of-the-art Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) lathes, five-axis mills, and sophisticated software designed to generate highly complex tool paths. BNI routinely machines rotors, blisks, inducers, impellers, nozzles, housings, shafts, and ancillary components from the following materials:
- Inconel ® 718 & 625
- Hastelloy ® C, D, & X
- Udimet ® 720
- Waspalloy™
- Rhenium
- Rene™ 95 & 41
- 17-4, 15-5, & 13-8 PH Stainless Steel
- MAR -M™ 246 & 247
- Common Stainless Steel
- Titanium
The lathe department can accommodate parts requiring a 100.0 cm (39.4 in) swing and a 200.7 cm (79.0 in) turning length. Additionally, accuracy to 0.00038 cm (0.00015 in) and repeatability to 0.0020 cm (0.0008 in) can be maintained. Finally, part probing, high pressure coolant, programmable tailstocks, and scale feedback systems facilitate the machining of even the most complex components.
The milling group specializes in 4 and 5-Axis machining, utilizing vertical, horizontal, and trunnion style machining centers. The computer aided manufacturing system used to develop the complex contoured surfaces provides simultaneous Two through Five-Axis tool paths in conjunction with fully associative parametric 3D modeling. Full CAD/CAM capabilities allow Barber-Nichols' programmer/machinists to quickly and accurately translate complex engineering drawings into tool path programs. As tool paths are created, verification/simulation of metal removal occurs which significantly aids in the programming and development process.
| Five-Axis Endmill Working Envelopes | |||
| Horizontal | Vertical | Trunnion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Axis | 110.0 cm (43.3 in) | 150.0 cm (59.0 in) | 63.0 cm (24.8 in) |
| Y-Axis | 110.0 cm (43.3 in) | 80.0 cm (31.5 in) | 63.0 cm (24.8 in) |
| Z-Axis | 110.0 cm (43.3 in) | 58.4 cm (23.0 in) | 50.0 cm (19.7 in) |
| Weight | 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,500 lbs) | 500 kg (1,100 lbs) |
| Accuracy | 0.0005 cm (0.0002 in) | 0.0003 cm (0.0001 in) | 0.0003 cm (0.0001 in) |
| Repeatability | 0.0010 cm (0.0004 in) | 0.00010 cm (0.00004 in) | 0.00010 cm (0.00004 in) |
BNI's specialty is the production of high speed rotating components for the most demanding aeronautic, national defense, and space flight applications, particularly those requiring complex surfaces and shapes. Barber-Nichols' manufacturing group is superbly staffed and equipped to handle your most rigorous conventional CNC and 5-Axis machining needs.