We Eliminated 6 Setups on This Complex Part

Titans of CNC Academy
Titans of CNC AcademyMar 3, 2026

Why It Matters

Consolidating six setups into one program slashes production time while maintaining aerospace‑grade tolerances, delivering cost‑effective, repeatable parts for critical space missions.

Key Takeaways

  • Single‑setup CNC program eliminates six previous machine setups
  • RX65 mill handles 25"x17" parts despite compact footprint
  • Tight bore tolerance achieved using digital readout boring bar
  • Roll taps and thread milling improve aerospace thread quality
  • End‑mill sequencing reduces risk on minimal‑material holding during machining

Summary

The video showcases the machining of X‑Core Aerospace’s piston housing for the Lynx spaceplane, highlighting a new approach that consolidates six traditional setups into a single CNC program.

Using the YCM RX65 mill, the builder rough‑cuts the part with a half‑inch Core 5 end mill, then faces, bores, and finishes the complex geometry with a sequence of specialized tools—including a 3‑4 in Core 5 for roughing the bore, a digital‑readout boring bar for tight tolerances, 60‑thou bull‑nose for grooves, and roll taps from OSG for superior threads.

He notes that “one tiny mistake could mean life or death,” emphasizing aerospace stakes, and points out that the single‑program workflow lets any operator set tools and produce identical parts with confidence.

By eliminating multiple setups, the process cuts cycle time, reduces error potential, and lowers labor costs, illustrating how advanced CNC strategies can accelerate high‑precision aerospace component delivery.

Original Description

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00:00 We're Making A Piston Housing For A Space Plane
01:15 YCM Alliance RX-65 5-Axis CNC Machine
01:26 Roughing The Piston Housing
02:26 Facing and Boring The Part
03:42 Boring To Spec With Kennametal Boring Bar & Insert
04:40 Cutting Small Channels With 1/16" OSG End Mill
05:11 Tapping The Part's Flange Holes
05:46 Drilling The Part's Side Holes
06:08 Thread Milling The Part's Side Holes
06:32 Drilling and Tapping The Part's Face
07:02 Surface Finishing The Part
07:20 Slotting Behind The Part For The Remaining Surface Finishing
08:00 Contouring and Cutting Tab For The Part
09:02 Removing The Part And Polishing In Tumbler
09:22 Piston Housing Final Reveal
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