At Capps Manufacturing, we work closely with your engineering team to develop the tooling needed for your aircraft sheet metal fabrication and assembly project. Our capabilities include a full range of aerospace sheet metal forming, processing and assembly services. We build to engineering, so we can work from your CAD/CAM drawings or our designers can create them for you.
Our Quality Control system meets the requirements of MIL-I-45208A and Boeing D1-9000.
What Is Tooling in Manufacturing?
In manufacturing, tooling refers to the process of designing and building equipment and devices used for manufacturing specific components. This allows for fast, consistent production of aircraft parts according to exact specifications.
Tooling vs Tools
When it comes to aviation sheet metal fabrication, tools are the jigs, fixtures, molds, dies and cutting tools used to build parts and assemblies. But tooling is the process of creating the molds, jigs and dies according to the part’s specifications.
Types of Tooling
Prototype Tooling
Also known as rapid tooling or soft tooling, prototype tooling is a method of creating tools for prototype parts. Prototype tooling is used for rapid prototyping where the objective is to make tools quickly and inexpensively, so softer metals such as aluminum and steel are used.
Production Tooling
Hard tooling, or production tooling, is a method of creating tools used for production parts. Production tools are made from aluminum or hard steel so they can be used over and over.
Why Is Tooling Control Important in Aviation?
Because there’s virtually no margin for error when it comes to aircraft sheet metal parts and assemblies, tools must be inspected, serviced and calibrated as needed. This ensures the tools are fully functional and fee of defects.
In-House Tooling for Precision Sheet Metal Parts Fabrication
Capps Manufacturing provides reliable in-house tooling for precision sheet metal parts fabrication in our Wichita, KS, facility. Our worldwide customer base includes customers in the general aviation, military and commercial aviation sectors.