FPD has teamed up with two leading manufacturers of advanced high speed machining centers, Makino and Mori Seiki, to assemble a world class modern machine shop. Our 30 CNC machining centers incorporate the most advanced technology available to achieve the highest material removal rate possible in hard metals such as titanium, stainless steel and cobalt chrome. A pioneer in high speed machining, FPD has applied our knowledge of materials, tooling, advanced machine controllers and programming techniques to a highly successful semi-unattended 52-pallet Makino Machining Complex (MMC), integrating three high torque high HP 4-axis aerospace machining centers. Our machining capabilities include 4 and 5 axis complex milling and multi-axis turning of parts that are 30” x 30” x 30” or less. 52-Pallet Makino Machining Complex FPD installed a 52-pallet Makino Machining Complex (MMC) integrating three A81M high torque high HP 4-axis aerospace machining centers. Within one month of operation, FPD realized spindle up time in the high 90 percentile and first time part quality of over 99%. The system maximizes machine spindle utilization by scheduling machining operations based on customer due dates, raw material availability and cutting tool conditions. Operators preload fixtures mounted on pallets with raw material. The MMC stores the pallet and waits for the next available machining center. During the high-speed machining operation, many critical machining parameters, such as spindle and axis loads, tool life, tool breakage detection and coolant flow are monitored. The automated pallet system, combined with advanced controls built into the machining centers, allows FPD to perform complex machining operations with no human intervention.