20100319502 | PARTS MANUFACTURING METHODS, SYSTEMS AND USES - A method for manufacturing a part selected from a plurality of part types is disclosed. The method involves the step of selecting, from a supply of workpieces, a workpiece of a type that is associated with the type of part selected, the workpiece having a void and a substantially annular outer surface. Using a lathe, the selected workpiece is machined into the selected part. The workpiece, during the machining step, is mounted to the lathe by a collet associated with the type of part selected. The collet is an expanding collet which, during machining, is received by the void and engages the workpiece in gripping relation. The part can be a bushing for an aircraft landing gear and the workpiece can be an oversized bushing. The method can be carried out at an aircraft repair facility and the oversized bushings can be procured from specialist fabricators. | 12-23-2010 |