APEC CM3040 – Aerospace Composite Machining Center

Cm-Series

The APEC CM3040 is a 5-axis gantry machining center engineered specifically for aerospace composite processing and processing. Designed for the precision demands of carbon fiber, honeycomb core, and hybrid composite structures, the CM3040 ensures exceptional rigidity, accuracy, and environmental control for the world’s most advanced aircraft programs. Competing with Matsuura, CMI, and Belotti, the CM-3040 delivers the high-performance machining capability required to produce structural components that must be both lightweight and incredibly strong.

Benefits for Metal Cutting Manufacturers

For aerospace component manufacturers, the CM-3040 provides the perfect balance of stability, speed, and dust management when trimming, drilling, and finishing advanced composites. Its U-shape force flow casting structure and linear motor technology ensure vibration-free machining, while integrated dust collection systems maintain spindle health, operator safety, and part cleanliness. Manufacturers benefit from reduced cycle times, repeatable high-quality finishes, and consistent dimensional accuracy, ensuring their end-customers receive flight-critical components that meet the highest standards.

Key benefits include:

  • Rigidity and stability for machining thin-wall composite parts without deflection.
  • Ultra-fine surface finishes for aerodynamic efficiency in fuselage skins, nacelles, and fairings.
  • High repeatability and reliability across long production runs.
  • Faster cycle times from high-speed linear motors and optimized spindle response.
  • Dust-free machining environment with NC-controlled hoods and full enclosure.

Key Features

  • 5-axis gantry bridge design built for large aerospace composite components.
  • U-shape force flow casting structure to channel cutting forces directly into the base.
  • Linear motors on X and Y axes for ultra-fast positioning and smooth high-speed contouring.
  • Dual ball screw Z-axis with hollow water cooling to eliminate thermal drift and maintain accuracy.
  • NC-controlled telescopic dust suction hood that retracts during tool changes for uninterrupted cutting.
  • NC-controlled roof sliding cover to contain dust and oil mist within the machining area.
  • Advanced dust collection and filtration system that protects the spindle, tool, and work environment.
  • High-performance spindle engineered for trimming and drilling composites with maximum precision.
  • Fully enclosed machining area for operator safety and clean shop conditions.

Ideal Cutting Applications

  • Fuselage panels and skins (carbon fiber and honeycomb core structures).
  • Wing spars and ribs requiring high-speed contour machining and precision drilling.
  • Nacelles, pylons, and fairings with ultra-fine aerodynamic surface finishing.
  • Helicopter rotor blades made from advanced carbon fiber composites.
  • Interior floor beams, bulkheads, and cabin panels with exact surface machining requirements.
  • Composite doors, hatches, and access covers for both commercial and defense aircraft.
  • Bonding surfaces and joining features where dimensional tolerances must be tightly controlled.

Specifications

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Item / Model

X-Axis

157.48″

Y-Axis

118.11″

Z-Axis

59.05″

Rapid Traverse

XY=118.10″ Z=787.40″/min

Spindle Taper

HSK-63F

Spindle Speed

28,000 RPM

Spindle Power (S1/S6)

20/25 kW

Spindle Torque (S1/S6)

23.6 ft. lbs. / 29.5 ft. lbs.

Recommended 2-Axis Head

Mono Support Milling Head

Swivel/Rotation Torque

A=98.1 ft. lbs./210.94 ft. lbs.
C=48.68 ft. lbs. / 94.4 ft. lbs.

Swivel/Rotation Speed

A=C=100 RPM (Continuous)

Swivel/Rotation Angle

A = ±110° to ±125°
C = ±360°

Tool Shank

20T pieces

Max Tool Length

11.81″

Max Tool Diameter with Adjacent Tool

Ø2.76″

Weight

130,000 lbs.