MSP
MSP develops CNC metrology solutions for the space industry.
MSP reports an increase in demand from the space industry. Manufacturers from the space sector are struggling to manufacture parts reliably the first time. This impacts these companies’ ability to keep up with supply chain demands and win space contracts. Technologies that remove errors from CNC manufacturing processes, like those developed by MSP, are seen as the solution to this problem.
The CNC metrology expert’s solution was initially designed with the aerospace industry in mind but has also seen success in motorsport through Formula One. MSP’s system aims to remove calibration errors from probe, machine, and alignment setups autonomously, resulting in ‘perfect’ finished parts.
“Using traditional and, often manual, manufacturing methods to machine composite or additive space components is not viable due to the high-value nature of parts and the importance of machining them right-first time. Manual manufacturing methods cannot guarantee an error-free production process which increases the likelihood of scrap,” said Aidan Wigham, Technical Account Manager at MSP.
“Processes must also be flexible as, often, only a few parts of a version are produced, before they are then redeveloped, so spending huge amounts on bespoke systems or tooling to ensure quality isn’t feasible. Using MSP products, manufacturers could, if they wanted to, produce a different part each time, to the same level of quality, without the need for an expensive customised solution per component.”
He continued, “Manufacturers particularly enjoy the fact our products don’t disrupt their existing manufacturing processes - they automate and enhance certain setup processes to increase accuracy, efficiency, and provide a transparent understanding of each step of the manufacturing process.”
The space industry has seen staggering growth and is projected to be worth around $1.8 trillion by 2035. With more manufacturers entering the sector, if the adoption of metrology solutions that automate production processes simultaneously increases, the industry’s growth will be stratospheric.