Manufacturing & Production

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Our traditional, inhouse, machining capabilities are also complemented with CNC Machining capabilities.  We have 2 axis, 3 axis, 4 axis, and 5 axis machines to build parts needed for our customers.

ATAD has long been active working with or manufacturing composite parts.  The example above is a quasi-isotropic carbon fiber bulkhead formed in a press mold for maximum dimension control and smooth surfaces on both sides.   We build much of our molds and tooling in house and work with a wide range of fabrics and other composite materials.   This part has been tested in the assembly spinning at 4,400 rpm for 30 min or more.  Aluminum equivalent parts often only last 200-300 hrs and weigh 25% more than our part. 

We manufacture a variety of sheet metal parts and assemblies.  We use our CNC equipment where possible to ensure consistent dimensions and high quality.  We can now coat parts with traditional epoxy primer and paints or powder coat, depending on the application or customers specifications.

ATAD prefers TIG welding for the superior weld quality, control, and bead penetration.  We weld both tooling and airworthy parts.  The example above is an engine mount for a new experimental aircraft design.

Tube bending, beading, flaring, and even welding are common fabrication processes used inhouse.  Contact us today for your custom designed part fabrication or build to print needs.

ATAD uses both plasma cutting and water jet cutting for parts and tooling.  

ATAD has a long history with tooling design and so can handle customers needs for sheet metal forming to accomplish unique applications.  The parts shown above were formed using a stamping die then heat treated.  We also do hydro forming on small parts.

Although ATAD has used aluminum casting for tooling purposes for years, we are now adding this capability to our airworthy part manufacturing capabilities.

Our inhouse assembly capabilities are extended with our onsite installation engineering, liaison, and field support.  Another example of turn-key support and capabilities.

Our inhouse finishing allows for common finishes such as epoxy primer and paints.  We have also added powder coating.  This capability allows for a wide range of unique finishes and coating options.  The example above is a machined aluminum (or cast option for cast) rudder pedal.  The medallion in the center allows for a unique customized appearance.  The polished brass with a wrinkle black powder coat stands out on the aircraft installed on.

ATAD works many projects where we are the sole manufacturer, we also work as parts of a team.  in either case we can prepare parts, assemblies, and instructions for installation and provide them in a kit form to simplify end user work.  In the example above, we fabricated all of the metal brackets doublers and hardware, provided the needed Airworthiness Approval Tags (8130-3s) and kitted the parts for our customer to ship to theirs in the field.

Our 5 axis capabilities allow for rapid prototyping and tool fabrication.  We build our complex composite mold tooling inhouse for maximum efficiency and time savings on parts and projects.  A true turn-key capability when combined with our engineering, certification, and FAA PMA capabilities

ATAD builds a variety of jigs, fixtures, and dies for our inhouse and customer projects.  We can also fabricate tooling for others when needed.

Where productions runs are low, composite molds are a great way to fabricate composite parts.  Using composite molds vs. machined molds help control costs and can still last for 100's of parts.  ATAD builds our composite part molds inhouse.

Where production runs are high or special, manufacturing may require hard tooling.  Hard tooling uses aluminum or steel to ensure durability and long life of the tool.  Some manufacturing processes that require this approach are RTM, and press molds (using 2 or more part molds).  ATAD builds our molds and dies inhouse and may be able to assist with your tooling needs.

Over the years we have been asked to design and build tooling or test rig fabrication on occasion as part of projects.  We rise to every challenge with same commitment to achieve our customers goals!  Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

ATAD has long used aluminum casting capability for tooling purposes.  This process finds uses when soft fixture replacement or unique applications call for it.