LAI expands multi-axis machining capabilities

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 28, 2009 — LAI International, Inc., a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, announced it has completed installation of advanced multi-axis CNC machining equipment at its Scarborough, Maine, production facility.
   The new multi-tasking, five-axis vertical machining center allows the company to increase output of precision components for power generation and aerospace applications.
   “Installation of the new five-axis machining center is complete, allowing us to improve operational efficiency and boost capacity to support increased customer demand,” John Rogers, vice president of operations for LAI, said. 
   The machining center has a highly-rigid, built-in tilting rotary table, which is unique to the equipment series, allowing work pieces with complex contours and features to be finished in a single machine setup. 
   “The new five-axis, simultaneously controlled machining center has high-speed software designed for automatic feed-rate control that allows us to reduce cycle time and increase output,” Peter Winkler, general manager, said. “The unit is ideally equipped to handle complex machining of steel, alloy and aluminum components with complex geometrical specifications for land-based power generation and aircraft turbine applications.”
   The workstation is handling production runs of vane sectors for aircraft engines for a major OEM in the aerospace industry.

About LAI International
   LAI is a leading contract manufacturer of precision engineered components and assemblies for aerospace, power generation, defense, medical and other advanced technology industries. The company’s technology, engineering and manufacturing solutions are used to build components for airframes, aircraft engines, power generators, defense systems, medical devices and other mission-critical applications. LAI has developed longstanding, strategic relationships with leading global OEMs, including Boeing, Eaton, GE, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, and many more.
   LAI operates five U.S. manufacturing facilities, with locations in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Tucson, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine — all of which are ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified. The company also offers NADCAP-certified non-conventional machining processes.
   LAI has developed innovative applications in advanced machining processes, including waterjet cutting and drilling, laser cutting, drilling, welding and heat-treating, EDM drilling, CNC EDM, high-speed EDM, conventional CNC machining, five-axis CNC machining and precision grinding. The company also provides gage calibration, tooling production, air-flow inspection and additional manufacturing services.
   For more information, see www.LAIco.com. 

Quick Facts about LAI International
- Founded in 1979
- Five U.S. manufacturing facilities: Phoenix, Tucson, Minneapolis, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine
- Corporate headquarters located in Scottsdale, Ariz.
- All facilities ISO 9001 | AS9100 certified
- GE Customer Impact of the Year Award winner
- Lockheed Martin Corporate STAR Supplier
- Northrop Grumman Platinum Source Preferred Supplier
- ACE Corporate Excellence Award winner
- Inc. 5,000 fastest-growing company award winner, 2007 and 2008