Onsrud GS Series

$350,000 - $750,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X-Axis Travel

Up to 12,000 mm (472 in)

Y-Axis Travel

Up to 4,000 mm (157 in)

Z-Axis Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Spindle Speed

Up to 18,000 RPM

Spindle Power

15–22 kW (20–30 hp)

Feed Rate (Max)

20,000 mm/min (787 ipm)

Overview

The Onsrud GS Series is a large-gantry CNC routing platform engineered for the machining of full-scale aerospace composite structures — fuselage skin panels, wing skins, nacelle components, and other high-value CFRP and GFRP assemblies where precision, structural integrity, and repeatability across large envelopes are non-negotiable. The gantry architecture provides the overhanging clearance and travel range needed to process workpieces that would overwhelm conventional bridge-style routers, making the GS Series a go-to platform for primary structure composite suppliers and Tier 1 aerospace fabricators.

The GS Series gantry is constructed from heavy-gauge welded steel with precision-ground rack-and-pinion or linear-motor drive options on the X-axis, ensuring positional accuracy across travel ranges that can exceed 6 meters. Dual servo-driven columns synchronize the gantry beam with sub-millisecond corrections, eliminating gantry skew even under aggressive cutting conditions. The Z-axis ram features a robust spindle head capable of accommodating high-power electro-spindles or direct-drive motor-spindles rated for the demanding material removal rates encountered in thick CFRP stack trimming.

Onsrud integrates its proven multi-zone vacuum fixturing technology into the GS Series table, with programmable zone control and optional mechanical clamp stations at the table periphery for parts that cannot achieve full vacuum seal due to cutout density or edge conditions. The control suite — typically Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl — provides full 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis capability when the optional tilting spindle head is fitted, enabling compound-angle trimming of contoured fuselage panels without repositioning.

The GS Series is deployed in aerospace MRO facilities, primary structure fabrication shops, and defense composite manufacturing lines. It handles trimming of autoclave-cured CFRP skins, drilling of fastener patterns, and routing of access holes in large structural panels. Onsrud backs the GS Series with factory-trained field service engineers and a stocked spare parts program covering spindles, drives, and vacuum pump consumables.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	Up to 12,000 mm (472 in)
Y-Axis Travel	Up to 4,000 mm (157 in)
Z-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Spindle Speed	Up to 18,000 RPM
Spindle Power	15–22 kW (20–30 hp)
Feed Rate (Max)	20,000 mm/min (787 ipm)
Drive System	Rack-and-pinion or linear motor (X-axis)
Table Configuration	Vacuum zone grid with optional peripheral clamps
Axes Configuration	3-axis standard; 5-axis with tilting spindle head option
Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Extended X-axis travel exceeding 12 meters accommodates full fuselage panel and wing skin lengths
Dual synchronized gantry columns eliminate beam skew for consistent accuracy across the full envelope
Optional 5-axis tilting head enables compound-angle trimming of contoured aerospace structures without part repositioning
Multi-zone vacuum table with programmable zone isolation handles complex planform parts efficiently
Siemens 840D sl control provides industry-standard aerospace NC code compatibility and RTCP functionality

Limitations

Facility footprint and foundation requirements are substantial — requires dedicated concrete pad with anchor bolts
High capital cost and long lead times (20–30 weeks) limit accessibility for smaller fabrication shops
Linear motor option adds significant cost premium over rack-and-pinion drive for marginal speed gains on composites

Best For

Aerospace Tier 1 fabricators trimming large autoclave-cured CFRP fuselage skins and wing panels Defense prime contractors routing carbon fiber structural components for aircraft and rotorcraft MRO facilities reworking and trimming large composite primary structure repairs Nacelle and engine cowl manufacturers requiring high-accuracy routing in large-envelope GFRP and CFRP structures

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the maximum part size the Onsrud GS Series can process?

The GS Series is available in custom travel configurations with X-axis travel exceeding 12,000 mm (approximately 40 feet) and Y-axis travel up to 4,000 mm. This accommodates single-piece fuselage skin panels and full-length wing covers for commercial and regional aircraft programs.

02 Can the GS Series perform 5-axis simultaneous machining?

With the optional tilting A/C or A/B spindle head, the GS Series supports both 3+2 indexed and simultaneous 5-axis routing. This is used for compound-angle trimming of contoured fuselage sections and for drilling at precise fastener angles through thick CFRP skin-stringer assemblies.

03 How does the GS Series maintain gantry accuracy across large travel distances?

The GS Series uses dual servo motors driving synchronized rack-and-pinion (or linear motor) systems on each gantry column. A real-time synchronization algorithm continuously corrects for any positional deviation between columns, maintaining gantry squareness to within microns even during rapid traverses.

04 What are the facility requirements for installing a GS Series machine?

The GS Series requires a reinforced concrete foundation with embedded anchor bolt patterns per Onsrud's civil engineering drawings. Minimum ceiling clearance of 5–6 meters is typical for the gantry portal structure. A three-phase power supply (typically 480V, 60 Hz in North America) and compressed air at 6–8 bar are required. Onsrud provides site preparation documentation during the pre-sale process.

05 What dust collection and health safety provisions does the GS Series include?

Onsrud offers integrated downdraft tables and peripheral dust collection hoods for the GS Series. HEPA-rated vacuum and dust collection units capture carbon fiber and aramid particulate at the cutting zone. Enclosure options with negative-pressure extraction are available for facilities requiring full containment of composite dust.