The Spanish company Airgrup is investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology from LiCON and will use two LiFLEX I 17136 machining centers to produce demanding cockpit window frames for passenger aircraft. By combining high-performance machining, 5-axis simultaneous milling, and automated workpiece handling, Airgrup can achieve economically flexible manufacturing at the highest level while strengthening its leading market position.
Highest performance for demanding aircraft components
The decisive factors for choosing the LiFLEX I 17136 from LiCON were primarily the machine's high performance, speed, and accuracy. During a successful test run, the solution impressed with its stability and machining quality.
The company manufactures cockpit window frames from aerospace aluminum. The components place high demands on precision and process reliability. The machining time per workpiece is several hours, with about 90 percent of this time allocated to primary machining. The horizontal spindle, combined with steep wall angles, ensures optimal chip flow and efficient chip removal for high cutting rates.
With its powerful 5-axis simultaneous machining, the LiFLEX I 17136 provides optimal conditions for these demanding applications. Notably, the dynamic B-axis with a load capacity of up to 500 kg ensures maximum stability and performance even with large workpieces.
Additionally, the combination of an HSK-63 spindle with up to 30,000 rpm, fast tool change, and coolant supply ensures high machining performance and maximum cutting performance.
Another decisive advantage was LiCON's flexible modular system. The individually customizable solution met Airgrup's specific requirements in a way that was not available on the market. The ability to integrate automation solutions also played a central role in the investment decision.
For additional flexibility in machining, an angle head is used at the spindle, allowing access to surfaces that would otherwise be unreachable.
Automation for 'Lights-Out Production'
A key component of the project is the automated workpiece loading via a pallet handling system from Erowa. Zero-point clamping systems are used on the Erowa pallets, with the clamping devices made from aluminum blocks and subsequently screwed directly to the respective component.
The system allows for workpiece pickup during active production time, thereby laying the foundation for a highly productive, largely unmanned 'Lights-Out Production'.
The first LiFLEX I 17136 was delivered in January 2025. The second system followed in May 2026 and will be fully integrated into the Erowa automation system.
Collaboration as the Key to Success
In addition to the technology, the close collaboration between Airgrup, LiCON, and the project partners was crucial for the success of the project.
Ignacio González-Blanch, Managing Director at Airgrup, explains:
‘LiCON has provided us with a cost-effective and extremely flexible solution for our automated manufacturing.’
José Ramón Garcia, Head of Production and Machining at Airgrup, adds:
‘From the concept phase to implementation, including project management, the collaboration was consistently professional, efficient, and solution-oriented.’
Expansion of the Partnership
With this investment, Airgrup underscores its commitment to the highest quality and efficiency in aerospace manufacturing, relying on the innovative technology and modular machine concept from LiCON.
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