Machining processes in aircraft construction with potential for optimisation

Aircraft construction figures are on the way up again. However, the demands for production efficiency remain high. This has given rise to challenges for machining companies in particular. High machining volumes must be achieved quickly, reliably, and economically. The machining tool specialists at Walter have developed a range of high-performance tools specifically for aluminium machining, with which the possibilities of modern machine tools can be optimally utilised.

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The aviation industry and aircraft construction have been through a difficult few years. The worldwide travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have not only led to yawning emptiness at airports, but also to massive slumps in production. The market has now recovered, and passenger numbers are rising again.

Modernisation push for aircraft fleets is offering opportunities

For aircraft construction, of course, this is good news. The profound transformation that was already underway in the sector before COVID-19 is gathering dynamic momentum with changing passenger demands, energy costs, and CO2 emissions. Airlines are adapting their existing fleets to these new demands, for example by modifying the cabin area. Many fleets also need to be modernised.

But even if the order situation in aircraft construction is looking up, the production environment and conditions remain challenging for the industry. Economic and political crises around the world are placing entirely new demands on the resilience of our own supply chains. Two other major players – China and India—have firmly established themselves in the market. Production and value chains are shifting. So the pressure on the efficiency and cost-efficiency of processes remains high.

High-performance machining systems are making new demands