CNC machining doesn’t only have an important role in the production of aircraft end-use parts; it plays a key part in aerospace research and design.enabling aerospace companies—big or small—to rapidly iterate new component designs, test them and, if needed, edit them. Rapid prototyping services such as OYU can work with aerospace companies and OEMs to deliver CNC machined prototypes and parts within as little as three days with tolerances down to 0.005 mm.

The aerospace industry has therefore been drawn to strong and lightweight metals such as titanium and aluminum alloys—both of which are machinable. Titanium, for instance, is roughly 30% stronger and 50% lighter than steel. It also boasts excellent resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, making it ideal for functional aircraft components and external parts. Aluminum, for its part, is lighter than titanium but only about half as strong. The highly machinable metal is, however, more cost effective than titanium and is well suited for a wide range of aircraft components.