Production Ramp-Up in Civil Aviation: How Handling Technology Supports Manufacturing
- Zeilhofer HHT
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Civil aviation faces a long production ramp-up: the order books of the aircraft manufacturers are filled for years, and manufacturing has to increase its rates significantly. Handling technology for aviation manufacturing helps to move large and sensitive components safely, ergonomically and in cycle.
Handling technology for aviation helps to move large and sensitive components safely, ergonomically and in cycle.
Production ramp-up in aviation: the challenge
Higher production rates meet demanding components: structural components, engine parts and landing gear are large, heavy and often sensitive on functional surfaces. At the same time, quality requirements are extremely high. Manual handling quickly reaches its limits here, both in ergonomics and in the required precision.
Handling technology takes the weight off and guides the component sway-free. This protects worker and component and makes the higher rates manageable in the first place. The industry context is provided by the article Handling technology for aerospace.
Moving large, sensitive components sway-free
For vertical lifting of heavy structural components, the ZH90 lift axis up to 1,200 kg is suitable. For turning, tilting and precise joining, an articulated manipulator up to 800 kg is used. Decisive is the sway-free load guidance, which protects sensitive surfaces and functional surfaces.
Typical tasks during the production ramp-up:
Reposition structural components and fuselage segments safely.
Position and join engine components precisely.
Handle landing-gear components sway-free.
Design workstations ergonomically to staff them more broadly.
Precision and reproducibility
In aviation, tolerances and documentation are particularly critical. Sway-free, reproducible handling ensures that every component is fed in the same position and without damage. How individual grippers for complex geometries are created is shown in the article Custom grippers and fixtures.
Confidentiality and quality
Aviation projects are often subject to strict confidentiality and quality requirements. Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik is certified to ISO 9001 and works in accordance with TISAX Level 2 with prototype protection. Every solution is engineered individually, from the needs analysis to commissioning.
Frequently asked questions
How does handling technology support the production ramp-up in aviation?
It takes the weight off large components and guides them sway-free. This makes higher production rates manageable and protects worker and component alike.
Which components can be handled?
Structural, engine and landing-gear components up to 1,200 kg, depending on the system moved sway-free with lift axis or articulated manipulator.
How is the required precision ensured?
Through sway-free, reproducible load guidance that feeds every component in the same position and without damage.
Are confidentiality requirements met?
Yes. Zeilhofer HHT works in accordance with TISAX Level 2 with prototype protection and is certified to ISO 9001.
Ramping up your aviation manufacturing?
Are you increasing your production rates in aviation? Our engineers are happy to advise you and design your solution individually, Made in Germany, from a single source.
For more depth on individual topics, see our guides on handling technology.
