February - 202019MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSLaborSpace machine carrying out three critical operations in the production process of the motor stages: the cutting of the composite multilayer, the drilling of the light-alloy flanges, and the smoothing of the outer rubber layer. Backed by a technology design for the aerospace market, LaborSpace is leveraged in the engine stages of satellite launchers that are built with advanced materials and designed to contain large quantities of fuel. These cylindrical engines can be built up to 18 meters in length and 4.5 meters in diameter with advanced composites (carbon fiber and epoxyresin), coated with a protective rubber layer, and fitted with aluminum flanges, which can reach up to 120 tons in weight. LaborSpace from COMI was born for the processing of such engines--a modern numerical control work center that operates as a lathe and milling machine. In the engine stages, COMI's team of expert engineers have overcome many technical challenges such as dimensioning a structure capable of working on such large pieces, realizing precision mechanical workings on large strokes, and positioning heavy pieces. In LaborSpace, linear axis strokes are indeed capable of working in the largest motor stages in production, with a translation of the portal at 18, 5.4, and 4 meters on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, respectively. The rotating unit where the workpiece is positioned consists of a fixed spindle (tip) and one mobile (tailstock). The pallet that supports the piece is raised 3.7 meters from the floor, thanks to the electromechanical screw jacks present on tip and tailstock structures. Engines are thus blocked between the flanges present on the tip, which can move along the X-axis to adapt to the length of the motor on the fixed tailstock. The centering system on the tip and tailstock finally allows to perfectly align the piece in rotation during its processing, adjusting it both continuously and at a controlled angle.Besides LaborSpace, COMI's portfolio of completely customizable and innovative machines for the aerospace industry also includes Monnalisa for delivering high performance in aircraft upholstery. Monnalisa is the innovative horizontal 5-axis milling center developed explicitly for machining monolithic, structural, large dimensional parts, particularly suitable for the aerospace industry applications. The extremely robust structure is made of cast iron and reinforced to obtain maximum rigidity and dynamicity with minimal thermal drift. The steel work tables in Monnalisa are designed to use both the vacuum suction and a mechanical fixing system to hold down the piece.Even after 45 years of inception, COMI's highly flexible and efficient machines hold the company in good stead. With more than 1,300 systems installed in over 50 countries across the globe, COMI will continue its legacy of developing high-quality machines and target international markets for expansion. "We have recently established a new branch in Germany, and are widening the one in the U.S., where the two departments offer a sale and after-sale service with a faster and optimized management of local spare parts," says Ballabio. COMI intends to increase sales in the American market by 10 percent next year. "Catch us at Booth G-32, Hall 6 in JEC World 2020, Paris. This trade show has presented us the opportunity to launch our Labor Mac machine, which has a 5-axis machining center equipped with ultrasound technology for the processing of Honeycomb in Aramid and aluminum. An ultrasonic vibrating blade has the characteristic of penetrating the material to be cut with minimal resistance, cutting it precisely and without residues. With our ultrasound technology it is possible to cut cleanly and quickly in an aesthetically pleasing and reliable way," concludes Ballabio.
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