Otec: mass finishing Reliable Surface Finishing

Related Vendors

Fastems Systems GmbH

item Industrietechnik GmbH

Aircraft can only be operated safely with reproducible processes and maximum precision in production. Otec Präzisionsfinish GmbH from Straubenhardt (Germany) now provides a reliable process for finishing the surfaces of engine components.

In the field of aviation technology, precision and safety are paramount, especially for so-called Class A parts such as rotating engine components. These highly sensitive components, whose failure can have serious consequences, require not only exceptional process accuracy, but also maximum stability and traceability. With innovative mass finishing technology from Otec, component manufacturers can now finish surfaces on critical components reliably and productively.

Efficient and safe

Finishing systems from Otec can be seamlessly connected to production databases. This ensures that mass finishing systems always work with precise process parameters specific to individual components. This eliminates incorrect manual interventions and significantly reduces reject rates. As sensitive components such as turbine disks can cost up to 60,000 euros, this process reliability is invaluable. The technology is complemented by seamless traceability at serial number level. This means that every processing step is documented.

The process stability of the mass finishing systems is always guaranteed thanks to an intelligent media management system that monitors process parameters, including speeds and dosing of water and compound. Unlike machines used in the past, there is no need to constantly adjust process times, as these remain stable. This makes the technology not only efficient, but also low-maintenance. A particular advantage is that even large, heavy components can be processed automatically and digitally monitored on systems from the Straubenhardt-based manufacturer's "SF-HP" series. The mass finishing systems are easily integrated into an Industry 4.0 concept.

Recognised worldwide

At a renowned German manufacturer, older systems have been replaced by the latest from Otec. This has significantly improved the finishing processes. Approvals from major and international OEMs confirm the technical advantage of the systems. By the end of 2026, three of the world's largest OEMs are expected to use Otec's systems for engine applications.

Adrian Kofler, responsible for aerospace applications at Otec, says: "Our technology has already been approved by leading aerospace companies. It not only ensures the highest quality, but also reduces long-term costs by minimising waste." The system manufacturer also creates individually and specifically optimised and coordinated systems.

Future-oriented development

In the aviation industry, too, the shortage of skilled workers often stands in the way of dynamic development. Specially trained specialists who are capable of reliably controlling and monitoring complex processes are increasingly difficult to find. Companies can counter this with Otec's automated, reliable and continuously monitored systems and processes. The experts at Otec are also involved in pioneering innovations. Over the past five years, for example, they have worked with an American OEM to implement universally applicable processes for turbine disks. These were validated after just a few months. This means that these processes can now be used internationally for finishing engine components.

(kmu)