Exotic Propellers:

Precision machining of exotic geometry prototype propellers; NMRS project for Lockheed Marine Systems.

These exotic counter-rotating propeller sets were machined from 6061-T6 plate aluminum which was UT inspected prior to machining. Each billet started out approximately 17 inches in diameter and 7 inches thick, weighing about 135 lbs. The finished propellers weighed about 5 lbs. These parts required meticulous hand finishing to a virtual mirror finish, and then a hard anodize coating for corrosion resistance.

For these parts, the customer supplied us with a fairly crude wire frame IGES file defining section contours on the blade surfaces. They also provided a drawing that detailed the hub and keyways. We synthesized all of the complex surfaces and toolpaths in house.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/nmrs.htm

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/nmrs-gallery.htm

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