Beaumont Machine plans to exhibit its two-step diffuser process at this year’s IMTS. Diffuser shapes have become a challenge for aircraft engine OEMs and their suppliers. In most production environments, diffuser shapes are generated on an EDM sinker after a $BEG(Bast hole$B!&(BEDM drill creates a through or meter hole. This process requires two separate machines with two distinct EDM processes. According to Beaumont’s press release, this multi-machine process often creates several manufacturing bottlenecks and quality issues, including diffuser shape to meter-hole alignment, part reloading or fixture/part shuttling, multiple operator interventions and multiple QC inspections checks. Beaumont’s diffuser process improves this process by generating both features, meter hole and diffuser, on the same machine, according to the company. First, the meter hole is drilled. Then, the dressed diffuser shape is locked to the required angular location, and the shape is sunk over the meter hole.