Triumph Structures LA-
Specializing in the Machining and Assembly of Structural Aerospace Components

With a growing number of CAM systems available to the machining industry, manufacturers are asking, "Which CAM system will get the job done?" Although a simple question, it follows with many possible solutions, depending on the complexity of the parts manufactured. Specifically within the aerospace industry, structural airframe parts require a high-end CAM system that allow for flexibility and considerable tool control. As such, perfecting the art of manufacturing is key in aerospace production. In today's market, with the ever increasing competition, production floors must utilize all the right tools to be successful.

Part Production

"At Triumph Structures LA, we continue the pursuit in technological advancements in all business facets to maintain an advantage on our competitors and remain a benchmark for which other companies within the aerospace community measure their success. To maintain our competitive edge in the aerospace industry, we continually upgrade our machines and software and are currently using NCL version 9.5 to program the most difficult structural components", says Steve LaPlante, engineering manager.

With the purchase of NCL, NCL/IPV, and PostWorks, the company was able to increase its part production, improving production costs, on-time delivery, and overall customer satisfaction. Once the programmers were trained in the use of the software, they were given the tools required to develop time-saving macros that quickly create high-quality finished parts.

"Many of the NCL features including the family of parts and macro capability give us significant time savings while programming and are utilized from start to finish. Each job begins with running the part through the IGES translator, along with the CAM module for part programming. Once the part is programmed, the part is run through the IPV (In-Process-Verification) module within NCL to verify the part and finished with PostWorks for the machine punch file," adds LaPlante.

The verification option is an integrated numerical control simulation and verification module. It provides a fast and accurate way to simulate the material-removal process of NC toolpaths. The user can instantly verify toolpaths at any time during an NCL CAM session. It interactively simulates, verifies, and displays the metal removal process of NC toolpaths as they are being created. During and after the metal-removal process, the cut model can be viewed from any orientation, cross-sectioned, inspected, and compared with an existing solid model. In addition, NCL/IPV can verify existing tool paths from NCL or other CAM systems. NCL/IPV significantly reduces the need for costly tape prove-outs and ensures accurate, efficient, and safe NC programs.

An additional feature the company has benefited from is the postprocessor module. PostWorks is a two- through 10-axis postprocessor and postprocessor generator. PostWorks converts output from most major CAM systems in NC data files, which can be used to run virtually any NC device including mills, lathes, mill/turns, CMMs, lasers, ultrasonic cutters, and routers. A simple interface enables the user to easily establish machine configurations, control unit features, and output file formats. PostWorks automatically creates a solid model of the machine and dynamically simulates the machine's movement. PostWorks also provides a comprehensive macro language for easy customization.

Today, Triumph Structures - Los Angeles, Inc. has expanded its high-speed machining capabilities, CNC machined parts and assemblies, serving the commercial, defense, space and ground support armaments. In their pursuit of excellence, the company recently received such commendations as the "Supplies Excellence Award" from Airbus, "Small Business of the Year" and "Supplier Excellence" awards from Boeing, and the "Supplier Excellence Award" from the U.S. Government Small Business Administration.