New standards in aerospace composite manufacturing

The aerospace industry is continuously seeking new solutions to optimise manufacturing processes, ensuring maximum efficiency, precision and sustainability. The Corsia plan, adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has set clear goals for sustainable growth and net-zero emissions by 2050. Through new, more sustainable production processes based on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ideko, headquartered in Elgoibar, Spain, enhances the efficiency, flexibility and optimisation of aerospace component manufacturing for engines and structural elements, using a wide range of materials, from titanium to composites.

Real-time monitoring for optimised production

Digitalisation is crucial for optimising industrial production systems. Ideko implements advanced solutions that enable real-time monitoring of key composite manufacturing processes, such as lamination, preforming, infusion and curing. Additionally, the research centre has developed continuous vibration monitoring systems with embedded sensors in robotic systems, ensuring superior quality control and production traceability. For example, within the European Infinite project, Ideko is leading the development of a wireless monitoring system designed to track both structural health and the manufacturing process of aerospace components throughout their entire lifecycle. Through the development of digitally sensorised composites (Figure 1), the structural health of components can be monitored in real-time from manufacturing to end-of-life, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.

State-of-the-art facilities for composite innovation

Committed to sustainable development, Ideko focuses on researching manufacturing and automation technologies designed to reduce emissions and the environmental impact of composites production. To support this effort, cutting-edge laboratories and demonstration cells which allow for technology validation and scaling before industrial implementation are necessary.

Cover photo: Figure 1: Sensorised composites