Every part counts in the aerospace industry. From fasteners to engine components, aerospace parts must meet strict precision standards, deliver long-term durability, and perform reliably under extreme conditions. Safety is non-negotiable — and precision CNC machining ensures every component meets the highest quality standards to protect both aircraft and passengers.
At Roberson Machine Company, we’ve helped manufacturers across industries develop high-performance CNC components that meet demanding requirements. Read on to learn more about our aerospace machining capabilities — or contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to speak with our team about Aerospace Machining, Performance, and Safety.
Table of Contents
- Why Performance and Safety Matter in Aerospace Manufacturing
- Common Stressors Aerospace Components Need to Withstand
- Materials Used in Aerospace CNC Machining
- How CNC Machining Supports Aerospace Performance and Safety
- Industries We Serve & CNC Capabilities
- Why Choose Roberson Machine Company for Aerospace Machining?
Why Performance and Safety Matter in Aerospace Manufacturing
In aerospace manufacturing, component performance and safety are paramount. CNC machining plays a vital role in producing parts that reliably withstand the extreme conditions encountered in flight. By using advanced manufacturing processes and aerospace-grade materials, CNC machining ensures each part meets the demanding requirements necessary for safe and efficient operation.
Common Stressors Aerospace Components Need to Withstand
Aerospace components face a variety of demanding conditions throughout their operational life. These stressors challenge the materials and design, making durability and reliability essential.
- Aerospace components must withstand freezing temperatures as low as -65°F (-54°C) at cruising altitudes above 35,000 feet, and intense heat exceeding 1,200°F (649°C) near engines and exhaust systems.
- They endure relentless mechanical stress, often withstanding over 10 million load cycles during the lifespan of an aircraft without failure.
- During takeoff, turbulence, and landing, parts face vibrations up to 25 g’s and shock loads that can cause fatigue or structural damage.
- Exposure to corrosive fuels such as aviation gasoline (Avgas) and jet fuel (Jet A-1), along with hydraulic fluids and atmospheric moisture, constantly degrades materials over time.
- Rapid pressure changes inside cabins—from sea level to 8,000 feet pressurization—along with fluctuations in hydraulic systems, place additional strain on seals and connections.
- Continuous friction from moving parts, such as bearings and actuators, can cause wear rates exceeding 0.001 inches per 1,000 flight hours if not properly controlled through precise machining and lubrication.
Understanding these challenges informs the precision machining processes that ensure aerospace parts perform safely and reliably under all conditions.
CNC machining preserves both dimensional accuracy and material integrity—key factors for maintaining performance under stress. The result? Safer, longer-lasting components that enhance the overall reliability of aerospace systems.
Materials Used in Aerospace CNC Machining
Choosing the right materials is crucial for aerospace components, as they must balance strength, weight, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions. These material properties directly impact not only the part’s performance but also its ability to maintain safety standards in the harsh environments of aerospace applications. CNC machining allows manufacturers to work with a variety of aerospace-grade materials tailored to meet these demanding performance and safety requirements.
Common Aerospace Materials
- Aluminum Alloys: Widely used for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Popular grades like 7075 and 6061 are common in wing structures, fuselage frames, and interior brackets that help reduce overall aircraft weight. Aluminum CNC machining is just one of many services we provide at Roberson Machine Company.
- Titanium: Known for exceptional strength and heat resistance up to about 1,200°F (650°C), titanium is used in engine mounts, exhaust components, and landing gear parts that face high stress and temperature extremes.
- Stainless Steel: Valued for toughness and corrosion resistance, stainless steel is often found in fasteners, hydraulic fittings, and protective guards that require durability under harsh conditions, including exposure to moisture, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations.
- Nickel-Based Superalloys: Materials like Inconel retain strength and resist oxidation at high temperatures, making them essential for turbine blades, combustion chambers, and heat shields in jet engines.
- Composite Materials: Though not typically machined directly, composites are often bonded with CNC-machined components in applications like fairings and interior panels where weight savings and structural performance are both critical.
By pairing these materials with precision CNC machining, aerospace manufacturers are able to create parts that meet stringent performance and safety standards.
How CNC Machining Supports Aerospace Performance and Safety
In aerospace, safety and performance go hand in hand — and both depend on components that function flawlessly in extreme environments. From pressure shifts to temperature spikes and constant vibration, even the smallest part must be ready to perform without fail.
CNC machining makes this possible by producing parts that are not only precise, but consistent. It enables tight fits, complex shapes, and seamless interfaces that improve load distribution, reduce failure risks, and support reliable system performance over time.
- Machined housings that protect sensitive electronics from vibration and electromagnetic interference
- Precision bores and grooves that prevent leaks in fuel, oil, and hydraulic systems
- Structural brackets and supports that resist deformation under directional loads
- Engine components that maintain performance under extreme heat and pressure
With the ability to replicate tight specs across multiple production runs, CNC machining plays a foundational role in keeping aerospace systems safe, efficient, and mission-ready — from takeoff to touch down.
Industries We Serve & CNC Capabilities
In addition to aerospace, CNC machining is essential in several other high-performance sectors:
- Medical – Precision components for surgical tools, implants, and diagnostic equipment
- Oil & Energy – Durable parts for downhole tools, valves, and drilling systems
- Defense – Reliable hardware for communication systems, vehicles, and weapons platforms
- Automotive – Custom components for cars, trucks, and other means of transportation and operational equipment for production
No matter the application, Roberson Machine Company brings the same attention to detail, precision, and quality to every project.
Precision CNC Services
Our advanced CNC milling and multi-axis machining capabilities deliver components that meet rigorous safety and performance standards required in aerospace and other high-stakes industries.
Why Choose Roberson Machine Company for Aerospace Machining?
With over 20 years of experience, Roberson Machine Company combines expert skills, advanced equipment, and dedicated talent to deliver high-quality aerospace components. Contact us for a quote or call us at 573-646-3996 to learn more about our aerospace CNC manufacturing services and our commitment to safety and performance.
