LAI expands multi-axis machining capabilities

LAI International, Inc., a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, announced it has completed installation of advanced multi-axis CNC machining equipment at its Scarborough, Maine, production facility.

The new multi-tasking, five-axis vertical machining center allows the company to increase output of precision components for power generation and aerospace applications.

"Installation of the new five-axis machining center is complete, allowing us to improve operational efficiency and boost capacity to support increased customer demand," John Rogers, vice president of operations for LAI, said.

The machining center has a highly-rigid, built-in tilting rotary table, which is unique to the equipment series, allowing work pieces with complex contours and features to be finished in a single machine setup.

"The new five-axis, simultaneously controlled machining center has high-speed software designed for automatic feed-rate control that allows us to reduce cycle time and increase output," Peter Winkler, general manager, said. "The unit is ideally equipped to handle complex machining of steel, alloy and aluminum components with complex geometrical specifications for land-based power generation and aircraft turbine applications."

The workstation is handling production runs of vane sectors for aircraft engines for a major OEM in the aerospace industry.