Spirit AeroSystems is the premier manufacturer of large-aircraft skin panels. Our massive stretch presses exert as much as 1,500 tons of pressure and are capable of stretching material ranging in width from 12 to 112 inches and in gauge thickness from .005 to .285. Maximum length between jaws is 50 feet. Using the latest laser trace technology, protective masking is etched onto the panels in production. The panels are then placed in chemical mill tanks to remove excess material. These exacting methods ensure that the panel parts precisely match engineering requirements and enable us to gain maximum value from the materials we use. Depending on customer needs, the panel finish is accomplished through any of several procedures ranging from robotic polishing to conventional paint.