About the Project
LURA, the Leeds University Rocket Association, used XCD’s 5-axis CNC machining and turn-mill compounding techniques to create intricate engine parts essential for their victory in the National Race to Space Propulsion Competition.
Challenges
1. Tight Deadline: The two-week span posed a challenge for delivering intricate parts.
2. Intricate Design: Rocket engine parts, especially combustion chambers, were deemed “manufacturable”. Besides, there are many oblique holes and grooves.
3. Tight Tolerance: The project required a challenging precision of +/-0.07 mm.
4. Material Issues: Unique thermal needs dictated using unconventional materials, especially in the combustion chamber.
Solutions
XCD employs 5-axis CNC machining and turn-mill compounding techniques to accurately machine complex geometries, such as oblique holes and grooves.