Precision Aerospace Utilizes CAMWorks to Help During COVID 19 Crisis
On Saturday, March 28, a customer reached out to Precision Aerospace and requested help manufacturing ventilator parts amid the COVID 19 pandemic. The team at Precision Aerospace immediately started putting things in place to provide the parts.
"We wanted to contribute to saving lives during the COVID 19 crisis"
Teams were established to design and build fixtures, program and prove out the CNC operations, create in process inspection plans, and manage the project. Turnaround time was critical and valuable input was gathered from all the departments involved. Challenges included getting all of the 12 station machining fixtures built and qualified, creating consistent and accurate inspection methods, determining a reliable outside processor, and confirming CNC machine accuracy.
Having the right automation and software tools available, helped ensure success. “All of the parts and fixtures were designed in SOLIDWORKS and then programmed using CAMWorks, for machining on their 3-axis through 5-axis CNC machines.”
"The speed in which this took place was remarkable. With CAMWorks, we were able to deliver the parts in record time - designing the process, building the fixtures, machining 25 pieces of each (25 sets), anodizing, and completing the FAIR."
On April 8, within 8 business days of receiving the request, Precision Aerospace delivered the required ventilator parts. The magnitude of this project has allowed Precision Aerospace to learn and capture several valuable lessons and best practices. It has also brought diversity to their manufacturing capabilities and confidence to their team that working together, with the right tools, they can make a difference and accomplish something tremendous.
About Precision Aerospace Corp
Precision Aerospace Corp (PAC), is a versatile, highly specialized contract manufacturer, focused on close tolerance machining for the demanding aerospace, medical, and defense industries. Precision Aerospace’s competitive advantage is in its overall versatility, specializing in everything from 7 and 9 axis Swiss style machining (14 bar fed machines) – to 3 & 4 axis Milling – to complex Turning – to OD & ID Grinding – to true World Class 5 axis Milling. The company operates out of an 85,000 SF climate-controlled building in Grand Rapids MI and is vertically integrated with Nadcap certified Special Processes in house (NDT- FPI/ MPI, Passivation, EDM, Welding). PAC continues to expand beyond your average build to print supplier by offering Assembly and Kitting options while operating to a “Let Us Build a Cell For You” philosophy. (PAC is part of Tribus Aerospace- see www.tribusaerospace.com & www.precision-aerospace.com for more information.)