150 customers from 17 countries attended this year’s Aerospace & Turbine Technology Days. They were welcomed by Martin Buyle, who has been CEO of Starrag Group since 1 April 2023 and was previously responsible for the realignment of the large-scale machine business as Managing Director of Starrag Technology. “In our group of companies, and especially at the Rorschacherberg site, we have been closely associated with the aviation and energy sectors for many years and have built a great deal of application know-how,” explains Martin Buyle. “Our employees pass on this knowledge to the Technology Days – with a passion that always makes this event very special.” Christian Kurtenbach, manager of the Rorschacherberg site, also ascribes great importance to the event’s solution approach: “We’re not here to sell machines. The focus is on our customers and their needs. Together with many interesting partners, we show solutions on how to improve processes and reduce cost-per-part.” Christian Kurtenbach has been in charge of the new “High Performance Machining Systems” business unit, which includes the Ecospeed, Heckert, Starrag and TTL product ranges, since June 2023. He points out that the Technology Days are increasingly becoming a Group event. This year, Droop+Rein and Berthiez machines were also involved in the projects presented.

Twelve stations were set up dealing with machining tasks that are important in the aerospace and energy industries. The process idea and the ways to reduce unit costs were always the key focus. A world premiere attracted special attention: the Starrag STC 1250 HD horizontal machining center, whose horizontal linear axes are mounted hydrostatically (see also article on page 12). Frictionless, wear-free, extremely rigid and highly damped – these properties make it ideal for fiveaxis heavy machining of titanium structural components. The new STC 1250 HD achieves up to three times the material removal rate during roughing than its roller-bearing predecessor model. The improved dynamics come into play during finishing, ensuring excellent precision and surface quality. The result: shorter machining times and less tool wear lead to lower unit costs – despite a higher purchase price. Another advantage is that the Starrag STC 1250 HD consumes less energy during roughing. This can be explained as follows: The greater cutting depth reduces the roughing time. In this way, the user saves part of the previously required drive power plus basic load – despite higher power consumption – and, depending on the component, lower energy consumption is achieved. Keynote speaker Dr Matthias Lange, Head of Research and Technology at Premium Aerotec, Varel, also referred to such energy-saving potential. In his presentation, he addressed the topics of sustainability, energy efficiency and CO2 footprint in the aircraft industry. His conclusion was that the greatest potential for savings in the production of aluminum and titanium components lies in the blanks and their machining. As far as cutting is concerned, he recommends in particular higher feed rates, because – as shown when using the Starrag STC 1250 HD – less energy is required per volume cut.