AIM Altitude is creating a Centre of Excellence for 5 axis machining at AIM Composites, in Waterbeach, Cambridge.

Part of the AIM Altitude aircraft interiors group, AIM Composites is investing in a new Belotti 5 axis milling machine, for the high-speed trimming of complex moulded components. This will be housed alongside an existing UNITEAM 5 axis, new measurement equipment, and supporting software.

Chris Leese-Wood, Managing Director at AIM Composites, said: “The majority of our projects for the AIM Altitude Group, as well as outside customers, require significant amounts of 5 axis machining. It is, therefore, important that we invest in an in-house capability. This will support our current production needs, along with the anticipated future increase in this element of our work. Typically, we run hundreds of one-off components each month to complete a single ship-set of parts. These small batch-sizes mean that fast setup and turnaround of components is critical.”

With the target to provide a Centre of Excellence for complex 5 axis trimming of components, Belotti have specified a purposely-configured machine. In addition, the UNITEAM 5 axis machine has been transferred from AIM Altitude's Cabin Interiors division.

“The two machines offer significant capabilities to both our internal and external composites customers,” continued Chris Leese-Wood.

The investment includes associated equipment and software, to support the new processes. The machine has also been configured with MSP probing, to allow significant in-process probing and validation.