Wall Smart: Thin-wall milling isn't for the faint of heart, but techniques exist for performing it efficiently

摘要

Milling part features with wall thicknesses comparable to sheet metal stock - or even thinner - presents a challenge. Subjected to the forces generated by metal removal, a thin wall's relatively delicate structure will move relative to the tool, making it difficult to maintain dimensional accuracy and impart the matically less expensive than building up the part via traditional fabrication techniques. In one case, Smith said, replacing piece-by-piece assembly of a large, complex bulkhead for a fighter jet with thin-wall machining reduced the part's cost by more than a third.