Where standard is never enough

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aerospace

Where standard is never enough

Efficient production for the aerospace and energy industries - Rising production rates, skilled labor shortages, and increasingly complex components are continuously transforming manufacturing in the aerospace and energy industries. How can these challenges be addressed? Planners, manufacturing managers, and production specialists found the answers at the Aerospace & Turbine Technology Days held in June 2026 at Starrag headquarters. The focus was not on standard machines, but on integrated manufacturing processes, digital tools, and automation concepts.

Temperatures above 30 °C in the height of summer initially had participants at the 26th Starrag Aerospace & Turbine Technology Days breaking a sweat. But the host, Starrag, was well prepared: The large event tent was air-conditioned, and a steady supply of bottled water and other refreshments was available throughout the halls of the Aerospace and Turbine Competence Center, where the displayed systems and machines generated additional heat.

Martin Buyle welcomed around 250 guests. “A new record,” said the CEO of the Starrag Group. Among them were nearly 170 customers from 24 countries, as well as prospective customers and representatives of partner companies who had accepted the exclusive invitation. All major aircraft manufacturers, OEMs, tier-one suppliers, and power plant turbine manufacturers were represented. “Customers from the Americas, Asia, and Europe traveled to Rorschacherberg, Switzerland, to take part in our industry event,” added Martin Buyle’s fellow Executive Board member, Alexander Attenberger, who is responsible for Starrag’s sales operations.

Growth is creating production bottlenecks

The aerospace industry is currently in a growth phase, and experts agree that it will continue to expand in the coming years. However, precisely because the order books of major aircraft and engine manufacturers are full, their production managers and suppliers are coming under increasing pressure. Production rates must increase, lead times must be reduced, and the shortage of qualified skilled workers also calls for new manufacturing concepts.

“This is exactly where we come in,” says CEO Martin Buyle. “We do not offer our customers standard machines, but precisely the manufacturing solutions they need now. Here at our headquarters in Rorschacherberg, which is fully specialized in the production of complex components for the aerospace industry as well as gas and steam turbines, we inform the global industry community about the latest developments and create opportunities for in-depth discussions,” emphasizes Martin Buyle.

Automation and digitalization take center stage

The event was particularly valuable for planners, manufacturing managers, and production specialists, who are often faced with the challenge of transitioning from largely craft-based, one-off production to serial manufacturing. Accordingly, automation and digitalization were central themes throughout the entire event. The importance of digitalization and automation was highlighted right at the beginning by Andreas Haimer, President of the HAIMER Group and a member of the Supervisory Board of Wintool AG, in his keynote presentation: “These are no longer options today, but a necessity – especially for companies that want to continue manufacturing economically in Europe or other high-wage countries in the future. The goal must be to standardize, digitalize, and gradually automate manufacturing processes."

His particular focus is on the shop floor: “CAM systems and NC programs operate digitally – but tool management hardly does. This is exactly the gap we are closing with our ‘Tool Room of the Future’ concept.” By this, Andreas Haimer refers to an end-to-end process that covers everything from toolholder selection, storage, assembly, and tool provisioning through to the machine. At the same time, the analog processes are digitally replicated – from creating the digital twin and transferring the data back to the CAM system, to inventory management, tool preparation, and ultimately production. The benefits: simplified simulation, reduced setup times, and improved process reliability. Since such a ‘Tool Room of the Future’ is already a reality at Starrag, participants were able to see the presented solution firsthand on site.

The second guest speaker went one step further. Dr. Oliver Gassmann devoted his presentation to AI applications in industry. “Artificial intelligence will be the defining technology of the coming decade,” says the Professor of Technology Management at HSG St. Gallen. He believes AI has enormous potential for all manufacturing companies. However, he also cautions: “To realize these benefits, we must rethink our workflows and processes. It is not enough to simply buy the latest AI tools. It is essential to train employees so that they can truly use the systems and unlock their full potential.”

“ Artificial intelligence will be the defining technology of the coming decade.” Prof. Dr. Oliver Gassmann HSG St. Gallen, Technology Management

13 stations – 13 highlights

From theory back to practice. Starrag had set up 13 stations, which participants visited in small groups. “Our focus is not on product presentations – we are committed to showcasing practical solutions that deliver real added value for our customers,” emphasizes Alexander Fitz, Starrag Sales Manager Aerospace & Turbines. “We planned and implemented these solutions together with trusted, specialized technology partners – Blum, Fanuc, Haimer, Heule, Hexagon, Liebherr, Schunk, Siemens, and Vericut.” Each station highlighted a specific application or technology that is particularly relevant to Starrag customers. This showcases the broad range of specialized expertise available within the Group. The machine portfolio ranges from compact machining centers such as the Bumotec 191neo turn-mill center, which demonstrated the fully automated, ultra-precise machining of fuel injection nozzles without operator intervention, to the massive Droop+Rein FOGS series machining centers, which are used to manufacture components such as landing gears. Structural components made of aluminum and titanium, casings, turbine blades, and blisks are the key workpieces for which Starrag machines are ideally suited. The topic of “Automation of Large Machine Tools” attracted considerable interest. This is because it places special demands on the conveyor technology, pallets, clamping systems, and measurement technology used. A special project is currently being implemented by Starrag in the USA together with Liebherr Automation Systems: a flexible manufacturing system for the overhaul of engine components. It comprises eleven Starrag machines. These include Berthiez machines VT 20 and RVU 1350 for vertical turning and grinding, as well as five-axis Heckert X90 MT machining centers and large Starrag STC 1250 MT machining centers. A highlight is the 64 pallets supplied by Starrag, which are used on all four machine types. The final word goes to a participant: “The Starrag Technology Days are an excellent opportunity to learn about new developments and take away inspiration for our own production. What I find particularly impressive is the consistent integration of complete manufacturing processes – from machining and downstream processes through to automation. I am taking numerous ideas back to our company that will help us improve our processes and ultimately deliver an even better product to our customers. A big thank you to the excellent organization of the event, which not only made the hot temperatures bearable but also always allowed time for interesting discussions with colleagues from other countries.”