Oerlikon and MTU Aero Engines Advance Smart Factory Collaboration at Farnborough International Airshow 2024

Oerlikon and MTU Aero Engines Advance Smart Factory Collaboration at Farnborough International Airshow 2024

(IN BRIEF) At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Oerlikon and MTU Aero Engines announced the next phase of their collaboration to create a cutting-edge thermal spray factory. The initiative aims for 100% digital traceability, real-time monitoring through digital twins, and enhanced sustainability. A cross-functional project team will manage system integration and process optimization. The project underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and excellence in aerospace component production.

(PRESS RELEASE) WOHLEN/FARNBOROUGH, 23-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Oerlikon and MTU Aero Engines have announced the next phase of their collaboration to establish a state-of-the-art thermal spray factory. This agreement follows the initial collaboration signed at the Paris Airshow 2023 and aims to revolutionize the production of aerospace components through advanced technology and digital integration.

Innovative Production Enhancements

The joint initiative focuses on achieving 100% digital traceability of each part by implementing advanced tracking measures throughout the production process. This ensures complete transparency and accountability. A key innovation in this project is the creation of digital twins, which simulate the production process of aerospace components, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization. The project also emphasizes health, safety, and sustainability by aiming to reduce environmental impact through enhanced energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Comprehensive Project Management

To manage the complexity of the project and ensure smooth integration of systems and processes, Oerlikon and MTU Aero Engines will form a cross-functional project team. This team will drive innovation and challenge traditional practices, aiming for continuous improvement and optimization.

The project will unfold in distinct phases, each with specific deliverables, including:

• System connectivity and bi-directional integration
• Structured data mapping and architecture
• Data screening for anomaly detection through data science
• Process adaptation with automatic improvement proposals
• Predictive maintenance and process optimization

Leadership Statements

Markus Zeis, SVP Enablement at MTU Aero Engines, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to partner with Oerlikon to establish a state-of-the-art thermal spray factory. This initiative represents a major step forward in our efforts to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability using thermal spray production.”

Toby Middlemiss, Head of Aerospace at Oerlikon, added: “Collaborating with MTU Aero Engines on this project is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and digitalization. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and resources to create a smart factory that sets new standards in the production processes of the aerospace industry.”

Engagement at Farnborough

Attendees of the Farnborough International Airshow are invited to learn more about this groundbreaking collaboration at Booth 3540 in Hall 3.

ABOUT MTU AERO ENGINES
MTU Aero Engines AG is Germany’s leading engine manufacturer. The company is a technological leader in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors, turbine center frames as well as manufacturing processes and repair techniques. In the commercial OEM business, the company plays a key role in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-tech components together with international partners. Some 30 percent of today’s active aircraft in service worldwide have MTU components on board. In the commercial maintenance sector, the company ranks among the top 3 service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. The activities are combined under the roof of MTU Maintenance. In the military arena, MTU Aero Engines is Germany’s industrial lead company for practically all engines operated by the country’s military. MTU operates a network of locations around the globe; Munich is home to its corporate headquarters. In fiscal 2023, the company had a workforce of more than 12,000 employees and posted consolidated sales of 6.3 billion euros.

About the Oerlikon Surface Solutions Division

Oerlikon is a leading global provider of surface and additive manufacturing solutions and services. The division offers an extensive portfolio of market-leading thin-film, thermal spray and additive manufacturing technologies, equipment, components and materials. Emission reduction in transportation, maximized longevity and performance of tools and components, increased efficiency and intelligent materials are hallmarks of its leadership. Pioneering technology for decades, the division serves customers with standardized and customized solutions across a worldwide network of more than 170 sites in 37 countries. With its technology brands – Oerlikon Balzers, Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon AM – the Oerlikon Surface Solutions division focuses on technologies and services that improve and maximize performance, function, design, reliability and sustainability, which are innovative, game-changing advantages for customers in the automotive, aviation, tooling and general industries and in the luxury, medical, semiconductors, power generation and oil & gas markets. The division is part of the publicly listed Oerlikon Group (SIX: OERL), headquartered in Switzerland, which has more than 12 600 employees and generated CHF 2.7 billion in revenue in 2023.

Media Contact:

Martina Vollmuth
Press Officer Technology
Phone: +49 (0)89 1489 5333
Cell: +49 (0) 176 100 17 133
martina.vollmuth@mtu.de

Petra Ammann
Head of Marketing Communications
Oerlikon Surface Solutions
Tel: +423 388 7500
petra.ammann@oerlikon.com
www.oerlikon.com

SOURCE: MTU Aero Engines AG