Automation of sanding in Aerotecnic’s aircraft engine cowlings
Company
Aerotecnic is a manufacturer specialized in aeronautical components.
For aircraft engine cowlings — panels that cover and protect the engine — the company needed to optimize the sanding process of the internal walls, a key operation to improve aerodynamics and the surface quality of each component.
Challenge
To automate the sanding process of carbon fiber panels in the engine cowling, ensuring a uniform finish, greater manufacturing efficiency, and the complete elimination of variations inherent to manual work.
Problem
- Slow and variable manual process: Sanding depended heavily on operator skill, leading to differences in finish quality and repeatability.
- Aerodynamically critical finish: Any surface imperfection could affect airflow performance and overall engine efficiency.
- Lack of surface uniformity: Manual control made it difficult to maintain consistent quality across complex carbon fiber components.
- High time dedication: The manual process was demanding, time-consuming, and inefficient for production series.
Solution
How we do it?
We developed a fully automated robot specialized in carbon fiber sanding.
- Consistent precision and superior finish: The robot applies uniform, controlled pressure, achieving perfectly smooth and repeatable surfaces.
- Full-cycle automation: Manual intervention is reduced and the finish is standardized across all components, even those with complex geometries.
- Manufacturing time optimization: Production is accelerated and process stability is enhanced by eliminating human variability.
Results
- Uniform finish in carbon fiber components essential for engine aerodynamics
- Reduced variability and increased process repeatability
- Faster manufacturing times and reduced manual intervention
- Superior surface quality thanks to automated sanding