Productivity for demanding aerospace processes

At ILA Berlin 2026, which took place from June 10 to 12, 2026, in Germany, SCHUNK demonstrated how demanding manufacturing processes in the aerospace industry can be implemented reliably, precisely, and cost-effectively. The exhibition highlighted workpiece and tool clamping technologies alongside automation concepts designed to reduce setup times, support reproducible quality, and improve manufacturing scalability for complex components and difficult-to-machine materials.

Process Reliability and Setup Time Optimization
The European aerospace industry faces increasing pressure to design robust yet highly productive industrial processes driven by strict safety criteria, digital sovereignty, and lightweight design. Delicate lightweight structures and demanding materials leave minimal room for physical deviations. SCHUNK addresses this interface by transferring high-throughput manufacturing experience from segments like the automotive sector into aerospace production lines to scale component output without compromising quality or reproducibility.

For setup-intensive structural components, the company highlighted its VERO-S Aviation clamping units. These modules enable flexible, low-deformation holding of large parts, decreasing individual setup intervals and accelerating manufacturing workflows. Additionally, workpiece-specific clamping architectures were displayed for structural components and aircraft engine parts, engineered to maintain secure force transmission, high run-out accuracy, and repeatable machining profiles.




Automated Machine Tending and Custom Engineering
To bridge clamping technology and machine peripherals into stable process chains, SCHUNK demonstrated automated machine tending workflows. The automated changeover of pallets equipped with varying clamping devices and workpieces standardizes setup procedures and increases overall machine runtimes while sustaining consistent repeatability across certified manufacturing operations.

When standard catalog systems reach their operational limits, the company develops specialized concepts through its SCHUNK Engineering division. Because aerospace workpieces are highly specialized and subject to stringent safety, precision, and tracking documentation guidelines, custom automation and clamping setups are designed around specific component geometries. This targeted development supports the reliable transition of parts from prototype production phases into high-volume series manufacturing.

Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.