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Machine programming investigates a new STEP While the machining industry has adapted to the 50-year-old standard for CNC machine language commonly known as G-Code, a community of engineers has worked on a replacement, the STEP AP238 protocol known as STEP-NC.

Machining and turning centers take center stage Makers of CNC machining equipment are incorporating more and better functionality into their products so users cope better with processing challenges such as those posed by tough new grades of aerospace materials.

Watching wires A new FAA rule will require airlines to develop maintenance and inspection tasks to identify, correct, and prevent wiring conditions that introduce risk to continued safe flight.

The future of aircraft manufacturing Engineers from Vought Aircraft offer insight into the challenges, trends, and techniques that aerospace manufacturers will have to consider for maintaining a viable manufacturing environment. High-speed spindles for aircraft manufacturing Aerospace companies such as Boeing and AHF-Ducommun have employed various high-speed spindles from Precise to improve machining accuracy and finish of aerospace components. Making advanced composites Lockheed Martin Space Systems explores several methods to improve quality and reduce costs. Turbine blade machining To ensure more efficient grinding of its turbine blades, Rolls-Royce installed Midwest Engineered Products' CentraSep centrifuge for automatic filtering of cutting oil.

Joining metal/composite structures The interference-fit bolted joining of hybrid metal/composite can greatly improve the fatigue life of such joints, according to Chinese researchers.

Blue-screen thinking The growth of simulations software in the aerospace development industry has changed the conventional test program. Is this trend likely to continue?

Taking a deeper look at NDT Rapid adoption of composties in aircraft has accelerated the need for newer and faster nondestructive testing methodologies. We look at some of the issues.

Improving power quality Avionics power supplies are being redesigned to reduce harmonic distortion and work with wild frequencies. Think smart As aerospace manufacturers and suppliers continually look for new ways to improve passenger safety and comfort, an increasing emphasis is being placed on the role of advanced, 'smart' interiors. Getting it together The manufacture and assembly of today's aircraft must be in line with market needs and emerging technologies in a challenging business environment.

An eye for detail Manufacturers hone next-generation designs with advanced measurement and inspection tools. Emissions progress New European research and development efforts aim to achieve step changes in engine emissions performance. Seeing virtually everything Simulating larger systems helps engineers understand more interactions.

Next-generation military propulsion Design concepts for future strike aircraft, transport, and UAVs.

A test of character The nondestructive test market is maturing, with advanced scanning techniques and analysis methods being used extensively.

Automation usage soars in aerospace Robots and other automated equipment are becoming simpler to program and set up, making them better suited for aerospace use.

New resins, new attributes The past decade has seen an explosion of new engineering plastics that have, inch by inch, penetrated into tougher and tougher aerospace applications.

From oil fields to swamps Aviation turns to living organisms for its future energy source.