Problem
Machining problem to solve
Landing gear machining is challenging because of:High Strength MaterialsComplex GeometryStrict Safety RequirementsTight TolerancesTraditional machining:
Case Study
Aerospace Case Study 05 / 15Landing Gear Component Machining Case Study
Ti-6Al-4V titanium, 300M steel and 4340 steel are the most common materials.
landing gear component machining case studyaerospace cnc machining5 axis aerospace machining
Case Overview
Core project data for this machining case.
Industry Aerospace
Product Landing Gear Component
Material Ti-6Al-4V / 300M Steel / 4340 Steel
Process Forging + Heat Treatment + 5 Axis CNC Machining
Machine Model HYR VMC1165 / 5 Axis Machining Center
Tolerance +/-0.005 mm
Surface Finish Ra0.4
Application Commercial Aircraft / Military Aircraft / UAV
Solution
HYR-CNC machining plan
The customer produces:Main landing gear componentsTorque linksTitanium structural partsUAV landing systemsMaterials:
Machine Used
Recommended machine configuration
Machine: HYR CNC machining center selected according to aerospace material, part size and tolerance
Process: Rough machining, semi-finishing, 5-axis finishing and inspection based on the document content
Accuracy Control: Rigid fixturing, thermal stability, deformation control and CMM inspection
Cost Method: Published with existing website assets first to keep implementation cost low
Process
Timeline from raw material to inspection.
01 Material preparation
02 Rough machining
03 Semi-finishing
04 5-axis finishing
05 Inspection
Full Case Article
Machining background, difficulty and solution logic.
Quick Facts
Item
Details
Industry Aerospace Product Landing Gear Component Materials Ti-6Al-4V / 300M Steel / 4340 Steel Manufacturing Process Forging + Heat Treatment + 5 Axis CNC Machining Machine HYR VMC1165 / 5 Axis Machining Center Tolerance +/-0.005 mm Surface Finish Ra0.4 Application Commercial Aircraft / Military Aircraft / UAV
Introduction
The landing gear is one of the most critical systems of an aircraft.
Its mission appears simple: Take Off Retract Land Safely But in reality: Landing gear components must withstand: Aircraft weight Landing impact Braking forces Side loads Repeated fatigue cycles A single landing may generate: Several Tons of Impact Load Military aircraft: Even Higher Shock Loads and Extreme Conditions Therefore: Landing gear parts are regarded as: One Of The Highest Strength Mechanical Components In Aerospace
Main Landing Gear Components
A complete landing gear system includes:
Main Strut
Function: Support: Aircraft weight Landing loads Ground operations Characteristics: Large Size High Strength Complex Geometry Common materials: Ti-6Al-4V 300M Steel
Torque Link
Function: Prevent: Unwanted Rotation Characteristics: Thin wall Complex contours Multiple bores
Axle
Function: Connect: Wheels Brakes Bearings Requirements: Ultra High Precision Excellent Fatigue Life
Side Stay
Function: Provide: Lateral Support Requirements: High stiffness High fatigue strength
Actuator Housing
Function: Control: Extension Retraction Locking Requirements: Precision bores Leak-free sealing
Customer Background
HYR CNC developed a dedicated landing gear machining solution.
The customer produces: Main landing gear components Torque links Titanium structural parts UAV landing systems Materials: Ti-6Al-4V 300M Steel 4340 Steel Main challenges: Titanium machining Tool wear Large cutting forces Hole accuracy Surface integrity
Why Landing Gear Parts Are Difficult To Machine
Landing gear machining is challenging because of: High Strength Materials Complex Geometry Strict Safety Requirements Tight Tolerances
Challenge 1
Titanium Machining Titanium has: Low Thermal Conductivity Heat Concentration Rapid Tool Wear Consequences: Short tool life Surface damage Low productivity
Challenge 2
Ultra High Strength Steel 300M steel properties: Tensile Strength >1900 MPa Characteristics: Difficult cutting High cutting forces Severe tool wear
Challenge 3
Complex Geometry Landing gear parts often include: Deep pockets Thin walls Multiple bores Complex surfaces Typical structure: Deep Pocket Thin Wall Precision Bore Complex Curves
Challenge 4
Safety Requirements Landing gear failure may lead to: Hard Landing Structural Failure Flight Safety Risks Therefore: Every part requires: 100% Inspection
Ti-6Al-4V
The most widely used titanium alloy.
Advantages: High Strength Low Density Corrosion Resistance Applications: Main struts Torque links Structural components
300M Steel
Known as: Ultra High Strength Steel Applications: Landing gear cylinders Main support structures Advantages: Exceptional strength Excellent fatigue resistance
4340 Steel
Applications: Shafts Axles Connecting structures Advantages: Toughness Wear resistance
Why 5 Axis Machining Is Necessary
Traditional machining: Setup Rotate Setup Rotate Setup Problems: Position errors Longer cycle times Reduced accuracy Modern aerospace machining: 5 Axis CNC One Setup Complete Machining Benefits: Better surface quality Reduced setups Higher precision Improved productivity
HYR CNC Solution
HYR recommends:
HYR VMC1165
Suitable for: Titanium parts Steel landing gear components Travel: 1100 × 650 × 650 mm Advantages: High rigidity Stable cutting Excellent heavy machining
5 Axis Machining Center
Suitable for: Complex Landing Gear Parts Titanium Components Multi Surface Structures Advantages: Multi-angle machining Better surface integrity Higher efficiency
Step 1
Forging Produce: High strength blanks Optimized grain flow
Step 2
Heat Treatment Improve: Hardness Fatigue strength
Step 3
Rough Machining Remove: 60% 80% Material Machine: Profiles Cavities External features
Step 4
Stress Relief Reduce: Residual stresses Thermal deformation
Step 5
Prepare for finishing.
Semi Finishing Machine: Thin walls Deep pockets
Step 6
Finish Machining Requirement: Tolerance +/-0.005 mm Ra0.4 Machine: Bores Interfaces Critical surfaces
Step 7
Improve safety and assembly quality.
Deburring Remove: Burrs Sharp edges
Step 8
Guaranteeing aerospace quality.
Final Inspection Inspect: Dimensions Surface Finish Material Certification CMM Inspection
Quality Inspection
Every landing gear component undergoes strict inspection.
Bore Inspection
Requirement: +/-0.005 mm Inspect: Diameter Roundness Cylindricity
Surface Finish
Requirement: Ra0.4 Inspect: Roughness Surface integrity Tool marks
Fatigue Inspection
Verify: Material properties Crack resistance Structural reliability
Material Certification
Ensuring full traceability.
Verify: Chemical composition Heat treatment Mechanical properties
Results
Item
After adopting HYR CNC machining solutions: Before After Surface Finish Ra0.8 Ra0.4 Dimensional Accuracy +/-0.015 mm +/-0.005 mm Cycle Time 320 min 240 min Tool Consumption High Reduced 35% Scrap Rate 1.5% 0.1% The customer achieved: Better surface integrity Improved dimensional stability Reduced tool wear Lower production costs Higher manufacturing efficiency
HYR VMC850
Recommended for: Aluminum Aerospace Parts UAV Components
HYR VMC1060
Suitable for: Medium Titanium Parts Structural Components
HYR VMC1165
Ideal for: Landing Gear Components Titanium Structures High Strength Steel Parts
Related Articles
What Is 5 Axis CNC Machining?
Aircraft Structural Part Machining Case Study Wing Rib Machining Case Study Bulkhead Machining Case Study Titanium Machining Case Study Thin Wall Aerospace Part Machining
What materials are used in landing gear?
Ti-6Al-4V titanium, 300M steel and 4340 steel are the most common materials.
Why is titanium difficult to machine?
Titanium generates high cutting temperatures and causes rapid tool wear due to poor thermal conductivity.
Why is landing gear machining difficult?
Because it combines: High strength materials Tight tolerances Complex geometries Strict safety requirements
Why use 5 axis machining?
5-axis machining improves accuracy, reduces setups and enables efficient machining of complex aerospace parts.
What tolerance is required?
or better.
Most landing gear components require: +/-0.005 mm
Conclusion
Landing gear components are among the highest value and most demanding parts in aerospace manufacturing.
Their complex geometries, high strength materials and strict safety requirements require advanced CNC machining technologies.
With excellent titanium machining capability, stable dimensional accuracy and aerospace-grade machining solutions, HYR CNC machining centers provide reliable and efficient solutions for landing gear manufacturing.
HYR CNC continues to support global aerospace manufacturers with advanced machining technology and customized aircraft landing system production solutions.
Result
Before and after machining improvement.
| Item | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Result 1 | Before optimization | After adopting HYR CNC machining solutions: |
| Result 2 | Before optimization | Surface Finish |
| Result 3 | Before optimization | Ra0.8 |
FAQ
Common buyer questions for this case.
What is this aerospace article about?
This page covers landing gear component requirements, machining difficulty, process planning and machine selection.
Which machines are recommended?
HYR VMC, HMC and 5-axis machining centers are selected according to material, size, tolerance and contour complexity.
Can HYR-CNC support similar aerospace parts?
Yes. Send drawings, material, tolerance and production volume for a suitable machining proposal.
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