Ariane 6 ESA launch system aluminium parts

Unit: Integral Girder

Competences used: Milling, thread milling, 5-axis simultaneous

Machines used: Hermle C42U

Type of material: 7050 aluminium

Dimensions: 570 x 230 x 120 mm

Other technical information: 5-axis undercuts, very thin-walled

Function of the part: Fuel supply for Ariane missile

Competences used: Milling 5-axis, turning and milling 5-axis

Machines used: Hermle C32 and Okuma

Type of material:  Aluminum 7075-T7351

Dimensions: Ø 435 and Ø 470  L = 350 mm

Other technical information: This part must look very smooth on the outside

Unit: VuAB. Vulcain Aft Bay, skirt panels of the cylindrical barrel. Cylindric shaped motor frame. Made for Airbus/ESA.

Function of the unit: VuAB skirt panels provide the support and load transfer for the propulsion system of the mains stage including interfaces for supporting equipment. The panels include integral stiffeners in axial direction with riveted frame segments and local reinforcements around large cut-outs. The VuAB has a ø 5.4 m and height of 5.20 m, while the deviation from one end to the other should not exceed 0.1 mm. The VuAB frame consists of more than 50.000 parts.

Competences used: Milling, thread milling, angular heads, boring, reaming

Machines used: Hermle C42, Matec MP-40P, Bavius AeroCell 400-200, AXA VHC-3 XTS

Material type: Aluminium 7075 and aluminium 7050

Dimensions: 150x150x5mm up to 2.500×2.500x150mm

Other technical information: 5-axis simultaneous, thin-walled, complex geometry

Unit: VITF. Engine part Vinci Intermediate Thrust Frames. Cone-shaped frame used higher up in the rocket. Made for Airbus/ESA.

Function of the unit: A upper part of the second stage of the Ariane 6 rocket. This frame part must be able to cope with the very low temperature in space, of -220 degrees Celsius. The cone-shaped ViTF is equipped with fluid control equipment (FCE), electric equipment, the auxiliary power unit and two high pressure helium vessels.

Competences used: Milling, thread milling, 5-axis simultaneous

Machines used: Matec MP-40P

Material type: Aluminium 7075

Dimensions: 2.600×1.250x40mm

Other technical information: Thin walled, 5-axes simultaneous pocketing