Top 10 Aerospace CNC Machining Manufacturers in the World

Just as in any other high-precision industry, there are certain aerospace CNC machining plants across the globe. Since aerospace parts need to be highly precise, robust, and of high quality, one needs to identify a supplier who will be capable of meeting such high standards. Read on below to find out the top 10 world-class aerospace CNC machining plants.

Each of the above companies possesses some unique strengths, capabilities, and technical skills to contribute to the aerospace sector. Below is some general background information on each of these companies, including history and website. This is a good starting point in evaluating your potential partners. While this guide provides a summary, we urge you to proceed and check out each company’s website and examine their products based on your particular requirements for the project. You should be able to ascertain that you select an ethical manufacturer who provides quality precision in addition to value.

1. List of Aerospace CNC Machining Manufacturers in the World

Following is a list of the world’s top 10 aerospace CNC machining manufacturers, each for their precision capability, industry certification, and long-term dedication to aerospace excellence.

2. Top 10 Aerospace CNC Machining Manufacturers in the World

Following is the list of the world’s top 10 aerospace CNC machining firms, each with its world-class machining capacity and rigorous production quality for the manufacture of critical aerospace components.

Top 1: Holly Plastic Parts

Holly Plastic Parts is a seasoned aerospace CNC machined shop since 2000 and specializes in high-accuracy aerospace components. Holly Plastic Parts utilizes the latest 3-axis to 5-axis CNC machines, which are capable of machining various engineering plastics and aerospace composites. Holly Plastic Parts delivers consistent performance with near-tolerance accuracy with cleanroom-grade precision control for low-mid-volume runs.

The company provides vertically integrated products like CAD design service, rapid prototyping, tooling, CNC machining, and finishing. The company provides AS9100 and ISO 9001-certified product reliability manufacturing of high-performance applications like avionics enclosures, structure brackets, and light-weight enclosures. Holly has been able to provide aerospace customers with satellite systems, cockpit assembly, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Technical know-how, quick lead times, and accommodating customer service make Holly Plastic Parts a superior choice for aerospace CNC machining needs.

Website: https://www.hollyplasticparts.com/solution/aerospace-cnc-machining/

Year established: 2000

Location: China

Products:

• CNC machined aerospace plastics
• Structural composite components
• Avionics housings
• Custom aerospace assemblies

Top 2: Meggitt Aerospace

Meggitt Aerospace is a company that was founded in 1947 and is the world’s leading supplier of high-tech CNC machined aerospace components for mission-critical applications. Having more than six decades of experience in dealing with aerospace systems, the company is engaged in manufacturing highly engineered products for use in braking systems, thermal management, and engine control systems. Meggitt has several AS9100-certified locations across the globe and employs high-precision multi-axis CNC machines to manufacture the highest levels of aerospace tolerances.

Their machining capability ranges over a wide spectrum of materials from high-temperature aerospace-grade alloys, titanium to stainless steel. Meggitt possesses a complete in-house facility for engineering, where it works with aerospace original equipment manufacturers for the supply of prototypes, flight hardware, and follow-on orders for production. Company CNC work is properly supplemented by test technology like CMM and in-line gauging to ensure smooth execution.

Meggitt is a defense, aerospace, and commercial customer supplier with insight into leading-edge platforms such as Airbus A320neo, Boeing 787, and F-35 fighter planes. Its premium CNC machining for high precision is used by leading aerospace integrators around the world.

Website: https://www.meggitt.com

Year established: 1947

Location: United Kingdom

Products:

• Engine components
• Brake system parts
• Thermal control assemblies
• CNC-machined titanium housings

Top 3: ST Engineering

ST Engineering was established in 1975. It is Singapore’s aerospace and defence company that offers end-to-end aerospace CNC machining capability under its Aerospace division. ST Engineering boasts over 40 years of experience in the sector and enjoys one of the biggest MRO and manufacturing networks across Asia, servicing civil and military aircraft programmes. Its CNC machining solution encompasses precise turning, milling, as well as intricate component production of structural parts, engine mounts, and flight-critical components.

The firm has several AS9100 and NADCAP-certified manufacturing facilities with advanced 5-axis CNC equipment and robotized automatic handling systems. ST Engineering’s digital manufacturing enhances production efficiency, reduces lead time, and ensures rigorous quality traceability at each stage of the project. They are able to machine hard materials like Inconel and titanium, and lightweight aluminum alloys.

Complementing Tier 1 suppliers and worldwide OEMs, ST Engineering propelled lead aircraft programs such as Airbus A350, Boeing 737, and various military rotorcraft. Lifecycle service and co-development engineering support its CNC operations.

Website: https://www.stengg.com

Year established: 1975

Location: Singapore

Products:

• CNC-machined structural parts
• Engine brackets and mounts
• Landing gear components
• Defense aerospace assemblies

Top 4: Barnes Aerospace

Founded in 1964, Barnes Aerospace is a global aerospace precision CNC machining solutions provider. A subsidiary of Barnes Group Inc., Barnes Aerospace provides Tier 1 suppliers and commercial, military, and space original equipment manufacturers. Barnes Aerospace leverages its network of North America- and Asia-based AS9100- and NADCAP-certified facilities to provide high-complexity part manufacturing with tight tolerance control.

Its fundamental machining capabilities encompass multi-axis CNC turning, milling, and grinding of high-temperature-exotic alloys such as Inconel, titanium, and nickel alloys. It manufactures flight-critical engine hardware, turbine casings, and structure assemblies. It has also expanded its vertically integrated process stream with heat treatment, surface finishing, and non-destructive inspection.

Barnes Aerospace is a strategic program supplier to the F-135 engine, LEAP turbofan, and PW1000G geared turbofan, among others. Its customer engineering team works hard to enable design for manufacturability (DFM) and continuous improvement, producing high-volume, high-quality parts to demanding aerospace specifications.

Website: https://barnesaero.com

Year established: 1964

Location: United States

Products:

• Turbine engine components
• CNC-machined casings
• Compressor housings
• Structural aerospace parts

Top 5: KLH Industries

Founded in 1987, KLH Industries is a US-based precision machining firm with decades of history in aerospace CNC manufacturing. KLH Industries is famous for the ability to produce close-tolerance complex parts on high-end multi-axis CNC machines, wire EDM, and coordinate measuring machines. KLH operates an AS9100D and ISO 9001-certified climate-controlled Wisconsin facility to maintain aerospace levels of quality.

KLH Industries manufactures various aerospace components, including actuator housings, sensor enclosures, and engine brackets. Its engineering-centric philosophy enables it to assist with quick prototyping along with high-precision production runs. CAD/CAM integration is utilized by the company to streamline project processes and lower cycle times without compromising accuracy.

Employed by the aviation OEMs along with aerospace defense contractors, KLH can machine hard alloys of stainless steel and titanium. By quality and detail control, they have gained repeat business from the government along with commercial aviation customers.

Website: https://www.klhindustries.com

Year established: 1987

Location: United States

Products:

• Precision CNC housings
• Aerospace brackets
• EDM aerospace parts
• Engine and control enclosures

Top 6: VANGEST

Portuguese-speaking and founded in 1986, VANGEST is a multidisciplinary industrial conglomerate that offers high-precision CNC machining services to the aerospace sector. With world-class prototyping and tooling facilities, VANGEST offers the complete product life cycle from conceptual design to mass production of whole-scale aerospace components. Its CNC division employs 3- and 5-axis machining centers to manufacture ultra-high-accuracy components with micron levels of precision.

VANGEST has AS9100 certification and produces aerospace interior system-compatible titanium and aluminum parts as well as mold parts for airplane cabin systems and supplies them to European and North American aerospace customers. VANGEST specializes in short lead time and intricate shapes and offers hybrid manufacturing solutions such as CNC, additive manufacturing, and metrology under a single roof.

With a strong tradition of engineering and computerized production facilities, VANGEST has established commercial aviation projects and satellite sub-systems projects. Its ability to offer customer-centric solutions at speed and precision makes it a reliable partner to aerospace R&D and low-production manufacturing programs.

Website: https://www.vangest.pt

Year established: 1986

Location: Portugal

Products:

• Aerospace-grade prototypes
• CNC-milled structural parts
• Satellite components
• Interior system tooling

Top 7: GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace was established in 1994 and is a worldwide manufacturer of high-performance quantity CNC machined parts to the space, military, and civil markets. GKN Aerospace has over 15,000 employees working in more than 35 worldwide facilities, and GKN Aerospace is a precision CNC manufacturer of engine and structure components from advanced materials such as titanium, aluminium, and composites in quantity.

Its CNC production is strongly associated with its design and R&D centers since it offers added-value offerings, such as fan cases and wing spares, and engine mounts. GKN Aerospace plants are certified to AS9100 and NADCAP and equipped with cell-type machining, robot inspection, and twin digital capability for manufacture. It makes it more efficient, traceable, and low-cost, low-volume manufacturing.

Being a Tier 1 supplier to Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus, GKN Aerospace produces aircraft platforms for mission-critical missions like A350, F-35, and GEnx engines. Backed by years of experience in aerospace programs integration and technical support, it does so.

Website: https://www.gknaerospace.com

Year established: 1994

Location: United Kingdom

Products:

• CNC-machined engine mounts
• Structural airframe parts
• Fan and compressor cases
• Titanium and composite components

Top 8: ACMT

US headquartered ACMT was established in 1986. A precision metal treating process, aerospace manufacturer, composite fabrication, and CNC machining processes manufacturer, AS9100 and NADCAP accredited ACMT produces high-complexity parts utilized in actuation systems, jet engines, and structural assembly applications by OEMs and tier 1 aerospace industry suppliers.

ACMT’s CNC machining center, for instance, is reportedly equipped with the newest 5-axis machining centers and the ability to hold extremely tight tolerances on hard-to-machine metals like Inconel, titanium, and stainless steel. ACMT also provides value-added services such as bonding, coating, and assembly, hence becoming a lucrative single-source manufacturer of finished components.

Their customers are GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and the US Department of Defense. ACMT has been incorporated into flight programs in the military, such as the F-35 Lightning II, and also in commercial usage, such as the PW1100G engine. Vertical manufacturing process preserves inspection quality at a low cost and is efficient.

Website: https://acmt-usa.com

Year established: 1986

Location: United States

Products:

• CNC engine components
• Aerospace housings
• Titanium brackets
• Integrated aerospace assemblies

Top 9: Precision Castparts Corp.

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) was founded in 1947 and is the world’s best manufacturer of intricately forged or cast metal parts and assemblies to the aerospace market. US-owned PCC has over 100 facilities on a global level and is globally known due to its unparalleled superalloy, titanium, and high-strength steel CNC machining capabilities for airplane engine and airframe applications.

PCC’s machining is complemented by its own casting and forging capacity, enabling the company to produce finished flight-critical parts from raw metal to finished product. Its CNC capabilities range from multi-axis turning and milling through to close-tolerance boring and high-level surface finishing, all of which are AS9100 and NADCAP accredited.

Its engine offerings are found in nearly every business jet, Boeing 787, and Airbus A320neo, and on military aircraft like F-22 and C-130. Its vertical and technical integration expertise makes it a preeminent engine OEM supplier to Rolls-Royce, GE, and Safran.

Website: https://www.precast.com

Year established: 1947

Location: United States

Products:

• Engine compressor blades
• CNC-machined casings
• Structural titanium parts
• Aerospace fastener systems

Top 10: Spirit AeroSystems

Founded in 1927, Spirit AeroSystems is a world leader in the manufacture of specialty aerospace structures and has experience in designing and producing precision, complex, high-accuracy CNC-machined components for defense and commercial aircraft. It is headquartered in the US with a well-established track record in advanced machining capabilities, i.e., to produce large-airframe structures, engine components, and wing assemblies.

The firm employs state-of-the-art CNC technology, including multi-axis milling, precise drilling, and robot-based processing, to produce components from high-performance materials like titanium, aluminum, and composite. Spirit’s production plant is AS9100 and NADCAP accredited to deliver the aerospace industry’s finest quality. It even maintains a titanic fleet of engineers that provides design assistance and manufacturing integration solutions to deliver optimal production for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Spirit AeroSystems is a premier contractor to Boeing and Airbus, leaders in aircraft manufacturing and supply programs such as the 737, 787, and A350. Through their five-decade history of quality, precision, and innovation, they have built a reputation as a valued business partner in aerospace.

Website: https://www.spiritaero.com

Year established: 1927

Location: United States

Products:

• CNC-machined airframe components
• Wing structures
• Engine nacelles
• Aircraft fuselage assemblies

3. Decision Factors for Aerospace CNC Machine Manufacturers

In selecting an aerospace CNC machining business, some critical factors need to be considered in terms of the provision of quality production and meeting strict aerospace standards.

Most importantly, manufacturer certification is the best proof of conformity to the aerospace sector’s stringent standards. Pursue certifications AS9100 and NADCAP for special processes since they evaluate conformity to aerospace-quality management systems and to auditable special processes. Certificates ensure the use of industry-best practices by the manufacturer and compliance with the highest safety and accuracy standards.

The second most critical factor is the technical ability of the manufacturer. Advanced machining technologies that are generally needed to achieve aerospace component complexity and accuracy require higher technical capabilities. Capability for 5-axis milling or turning, production of multi-axis CNC machines, needs to be employed to machine complex parts with close tolerances. Furthermore, processing the new materials of titanium, Inconel, and other superalloys involves best-of-class equipment and technical capabilities. Firms that are able to work with these materials and offer end-to-end capabilities—from prototype through full production—are top contenders for aerospace contracts.

Flexibility of lead times and manufacturing capability also matter. Aerospace jobs often come with high numbers of parts or fast-track timelines, so one needs to select a manufacturer capable of handling high-volume manufacturing and fast-turnaround projects without compromise on quality. In addition, a well-managed design and engineering support function is a blessing for the manufacturer. They can perform design for manufacturability (DFM), recommend cost savings, and streamline manufacturing processes according to the specific needs of the aerospace industry.

Finally, investigating the reputation and background of a manufacturer from customer reviews, case studies, and word of mouth from such reputable aerospace customers as Airbus or Boeing will provide one with an understanding of their reputation and reliability as an aerospace supplier.

4. Conclusion

Finally, the global aerospace CNC machining market has many manufacturers of different capabilities and expertise. Even though we narrowed them down to the top 10 of their advanced equipment, the reputation of the companies, and flawless record of providing superior aerospace parts, the conventional examination of such manufacturers makes you have faith in selecting one to satisfy your unique requirement for precision machining, challenging-to-machine materials, or rapid turnaround.