Ready for Your Most Complex Manufacturing Projects

The Impeller

Metalex produces more than just parts, we deliver exceptional success. The impeller is no exception.

NASA and Pratt & Whitney came to Metalex with a seemingly impossible challenge—to use precision 5-axis CNC machining to generate intricate internal flow paths with passages spiraling out of sight on a shrouded titanium impeller for the Space Shuttle Main Engine Turbo-pump.

Previous attempts by others to produce the impeller involved extensive hand grinding and polishing that resulted in an unacceptable, out-of-balance condition. NASA ‘s lead engineer knew the only solution to a functional impeller required the complete machining of all features to the exact profile defined in the 3D CAD model, eliminating the inconsistencies inherent in hand work.

We rose to the challenge, worked as a team, and overcame the obstacles to achieve exceeded customer satisfaction.

Titanium Target Shroud Housing

Here at Metalex, we are proficient in solving complex problems in unheard-of timelines. 

For two years, a leading aerospace customer had been working with their existing supplier base with very limited success in building a new, one-piece titanium targeting system shroud housing for the F-18. 

This was a very difficult assembly requiring the latest in 5-axis machining, tooling and programming technology. It also required out-of-the-box thinking and a focused, can-do attitude.

After receipt of the first 350 lb. titanium forgings, Metalex exceeded expectations by delivering 5 shrouds weighing 27 lbs to the customer within four months. As a result, our customer won the production contract and Metalex continued successful production until a total of 90 units were delivered meeting all customer requirements.

No matter the project, we are committed to achieving excellence, even on a tight timeline.

CVT Shaft 

At Metalex, we work with innovative, strategic partners to ensure we are delivering the quickest, highest quality possible.

A leader in the automotive industry searched for over two years for a supplier that could grind micron-close tolerances to support their continuously variable transmission project. In addition to holding such tight tolerances across TWO shafts (primary & secondary), Metalex had to have production up and running within 120 days to meet the customer's need and avoid costly delays.

The order was placed in November, the machines arrived in December from Germany, and by early February we began shipping production parts and within a few weeks, we were running two shifts (20 hours per day total) producing over 200 shafts a day.

When we say we’re up for the challenge, we mean it.

At Metalex we start with the fundamental understanding that People are human, they are going to make mistakes and the system must ensure that these mistakes are not allowed to go through.