MAG cryogenic machining technology okayed for Joint Strike Fighter

According to Lockheed Martin, when broadly applied, this new technology could improve affordability and efficiency in the production of the F-35, which is approximately 25% titanium. The company will be demonstrating five cryogenic machining systems during the EMO show in Germany, which opens today, in hall 12, booth B60. Cryogenic titanium machining increases cutting-tool life up to a factor of 10 and doubles the material removal rate, compared to conventional machining methods in certain applications. "This is one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of metalworking and it promises to rewrite the book on machining speeds and costs for difficult to machine materials, which are critical in aerospace, and coming into common use in automotive and general industry applications as well," said Michael Judge, vice president of Cryogenic Business Development. "In addition to the increases it brings in metal removal rates and tool life, low-flow cryogenic machining is a green manufacturing process that will produce a cascade of additional cost reductions by eliminating, or vastly minimising, the use of liquid coolants. Liquid nitrogen is a non-greenhouse gas, so it is harmless to the environment, too."