The role of lathes in the aerospace industry: precision, power and reliability
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In the aerospace industry, every component must meet extremely strict quality standards. For that you need robust, accurate and reliable machinery. That is why with Heller you have access to a wide range of lathes to help you carry out the operations needed to manufacture parts for the aerospace industry.
At Heller Maquinaria, we have centre lathes and high-quality conventional lathes ideal for a wide range of aerospace applications.
What kinds of aerospace parts are machined on centre lathes?
- Small-diameter shafts for auxiliary mechanisms
- Components for hydraulic or pneumatic systems
- Fitting parts for structural assemblies
- Metal adapters and clamping elements
- Machining of specific tooling and spare parts
These operations are mostly carried out in maintenance departments, test laboratories, tooling workshops or technical training centres in the aerospace sector.
Heller lathes ideal for the aerospace industry
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Aerospace application: Machining of landing gear shafts, long cylinders and cylindrical structural parts.
- Why it is ideal: High capacity between centres and structural rigidity, essential for turning long, heavy parts with maximum stability.
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Aerospace application: Production of flanges, connectors and clamping elements in aluminium or steel.
- Why it is ideal: Generous swing over bed and robust construction, ideal for machining large-volume components with precision.
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Aerospace application: Turning of intermediate components such as system adapters or cylindrical actuator bodies.
- Why it is ideal: Excellent balance between working length and manoeuvrability, perfect for short runs or custom parts.
HELLER TPG1100x3000 LARGE CENTRE LATHE
- Aerospace application: Machining of heavy metal structures or large prototype parts.
- Why it is ideal: Its high metal-removal capacity makes it perfect for demanding operations in materials such as Inconel or hardened steel.
HELLER TPG1100x4000 LARGE CENTRE LATHE
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Aerospace application: Manufacture and fitting of critical structural parts of great length.
- Why it is ideal: Useful length of 4 metres with a reinforced structure for stable machining, even in very hard materials.
Advantages of conventional centre lathes in the aerospace sector
- Greater manual control: ideal for precision tasks where direct operator intervention is required.
- Perfect for prototyping: they allow quick adjustments without the need for complex programming.
- Low running costs: high performance without the need for advanced electronic systems.
- Versatility: adaptable to a wide range of materials (aerospace aluminium, steel, titanium in small parts).
- Mechanical reliability: robust constructions designed for continuous use in industrial environments.
Heller Maquinaria: lathe solutions for the aerospace sector
At Heller Maquinaria we offer new conventional lathes, ready to be integrated into demanding industrial processes such as those of the aerospace sector. Every machine we sell undergoes a rigorous technical check to ensure its performance and reliability. If you are looking for a second-hand lathe, the group also has used conventional lathes at Ferrotall.
If you are looking for a lathe for your aerospace company or technical centre, contact us and we will advise you personally.
Frequently asked questions
Which aeronautical parts are machined on a centre lathe?
On a centre lathe the following are machined: small shafts for auxiliary mechanisms, components of hydraulic or pneumatic systems, adjustment parts for structural assemblies, metal adaptors and fastening elements, specific tooling and spare parts. These operations are carried out mainly in maintenance departments, test laboratories, tooling workshops and technical training centres in the sector.
Why are conventional lathes used in the aeronautical industry?
Because they give greater manual control in precision tasks that require direct operator intervention and allow quick adjustments without complex programming, which makes them perfect for prototypes. They also have a low operating cost, they adapt to aeronautical aluminium, steel and titanium in small parts, and their robust construction is designed for continuous use.
Which lathe suits long, heavy aeronautical parts?
For long, heavy parts, a lathe with high capacity between centres and a rigid structure is best. The Heller TPH 1000×3000 is used for landing gear shafts, long cylinders and cylindrical structural parts, and the large Heller TPG1100x4000 centre lathe, with 4 metres of usable length and a reinforced structure, for critical structural parts of great length, even in high-hardness materials.
Which Heller lathe is suitable for materials such as Inconel or hardened steel?
The large Heller TPG1100x3000 centre lathe, thanks to its high metal-cutting capacity, is suitable for demanding operations in materials such as Inconel or hardened steel. In aeronautics it is used to machine heavy metal structures or large prototype parts. For short runs or custom parts, the TPH 830×3000 offers a good balance between working length and manoeuvrability.
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