MSP specialises in the use of automation
Ahead of its inaugural rocket launch, UK-based orbital launch services company, Orbex, has dramatically boosted production for its carbon-fibre Payload Avionic Module, using MSP PerfectPart to overcome challenges with part distortion and cut part setup time from 5 hours to 30 minutes, making the process 900% faster per part.
The introduction of these CNC metrology solutions has also halved overall production time, simplified fixturing processes and given Orbex the confidence parts will be machined right-first-time. As the company looks to increase production, MSP has been critical in providing Orbex with a repeatable and scalable process which uses its existing equipment.
Heavily restricted by traditional alignment methods, Orbex sought out a solution to ensure quick and accurate CNC machining of their Payload Avionic Module (PAM). Gavin Belton, Orbex CNC Operator Specialist, explains: “The PAM is a large, composite thin-walled part, and the layup is delicate in places. The risk of distortion makes it difficult to know exactly where to machine”.
It was taking a minimum of 5 hours to align each part and the inability to account for distortion had caused windows and pockets to be machined to incorrect sizes, leading to issues in assembly and causing rework.
Gavin continues: “The parts are worth tens of thousands of pounds and take around 6 weeks to produce so if we lose one it’s time, money and material we can’t get back”.
Due to the importance for right-first-time machining, MSP PerfectPart was deemed essential. In addition to providing Orbex with a solution for creating accurate alignments, the metrology suite would also ensure any errors within probe setup and calibration and within the CNC machine would be accounted for.
The error removal routine starts with AutoClock and NC-Checker. Together, the products remove human error from the probe calibration process and NC-Checker then assesses the geometric performance of the CNC machine tool to confirm it is capable of machining a part to within tolerance.
Click here to read more.
