ForceBeyond provides specialized Near-Net-Shape Titanium Machining designed to maximize the economic advantages of our NNS forging and investment casting programs. By utilizing high-speed 5-axis toolpaths and specialized “skin-cut” strategies, we reduce secondary CNC cycle times by 30% to 45%. Our Tier-1.5 integrated model ensures that the minimal machining allowance is precision-removed without inducing surface stress, delivering a final “Buy-to-Fly” ratio as low as 3.5:1.
Machining a Near-Net-Shape (NNS) blank is fundamentally different from “hogging out” a solid block. It requires advanced work-holding and in-machine probing to align the toolpath with the pre-existing geometry.
In recent years, the most successful industrial projects are those that minimize raw material waste. ForceBeyond’s machining strategy is the final step in this optimization loop.
| Production Metric | Machining from Solid | NNS Integrated Machining |
|---|---|---|
| Material Removed | 80% – 90% | 10% – 15% |
| CNC Cycle Time | High (Heavy Roughing) | Low (Precision Finishing) |
| Tool Wear Cost | High | Low (Light Finishing Cuts) |
| Final Tolerance | ±0.005mm | ±0.005mm (Equivalent) |
| Total Part Cost | Baseline | 25% – 35% Reduction |
ForceBeyond eliminates the “Vendor Conflict” where a machine shop blames a forge for a part that “doesn’t clean up” during machining.
Because we own the forge-die design, we know exactly where the machining allowance is located. This allows our CNC programmers to create “safe” toolpaths that maximize speed without the risk of hitting “air” or crashing into excess flash.
For complex cast geometries, our machining spoke utilizes 5-axis “Best Fit” algorithms. We analyze the as-cast surface and shift the digital model to ensure every critical feature has enough material for a perfect finish.
Calculate Your Buy-to-Fly Savings with ForceBeyond.
To provide a comparative cost analysis, please provide:
While we specialize in our own Tier-1.5 integrated production, we can machine customer-supplied NNS forgings. We typically perform a 3D scan of the as-forged blank to ensure our toolpaths align with your specific material distribution.
No. Because we are taking lighter “finishing” cuts, we generate less heat than heavy roughing. This makes it easier to maintain required metallurgical properties and surface finishes (32 RMS or better).
Most clients see an ROI within the first 100 to 500 parts. The upfront tooling cost for NNS forging is offset by the massive savings in raw titanium and reduced CNC machine hours.
