Antonio Hierro – Technical Engineer Intec-Air
7 November 2024
The digitization of processes is increasingly present in industrial manufacturing environments.
But to be effective, we must support the shift to more digital processes. This includes the continuous training of personnel in new technologies, the promotion of collaboration between different areas of the company and the adoption of a mentality of continuous improvement and the use of data for decision making. At Aernnova we promote this change, proof of which is the DIGIFORM project, which has been launched in 2024 with the aim of moving towards a more sustainable, flexible and efficient production based on data.
The DIGIFORM consortium is formed by 5 partners that make up the grouping of companies and 2 research centers that make up the grouping of research organizations TEKNIKER and AIITIP.
Within the group of companies, together with ALJU, HEXAGON and MEK&BOT, the Aernnova Group participates with AEROMETALLIC TARAZONA, AERNNOVA ENGINEERING DIVISION (AED) and INTECAIR, which also acts as leader of the project and of the group of companies. The DIGIFORM project, with a duration of 3 years, is funded by the CDTI Transmissions program and the State Research Agency AEI.
We interviewed Antonio Hierro, Technical Engineer and R&D project coordinator, and our reference person for the DIGIFORM project.
ANNnews: Antonio, could you explain briefly what the project consists of? Which Aernnova companies are involved in it?
Antonio Hierro: The main objectives and requirements of the manufacturing industry are to produce more with the same or lower consumption, more efficiently, ensuring quality and with lower total costs. The DIGIFORM project focuses on automating some manufacturing processes of metal parts such as welding, grinding/polishing or peen forming.
Through the development of enabling technologies for digitization, artificial intelligence, sensors and automation of manufacturing processes, the aim is to increase quality and productivity in the manufacture of parts by the aforementioned sheet metal transformation processes, also reducing set-up times in the industrialization of new products in general, and aeronautical products in particular.
The DIGIFORM consortium is formed by 5 partners that make up the grouping of companies (CDTI), and 2 research centers that make up the grouping of research organizations (AEI), TEKNIKER and AIITIP. Within the group of companies, together with ALJU, HEXAGON and MEK&BOT, the Aernnova Group participates with AEROMETALLIC TARAZONA, AERNNOVA ENGINEERING DIVISION, (AED) and INTECAIR, which also acts as leader of the project and of the group of companies.
ANNnews: What advantages does automation offer?
Antonio Hierro: First of all, it offers an improvement from the point of view of occupational health and safety, since it mainly acts on processes that are arduous or very repetitive, allowing the operator to focus on more varied or higher value-added tasks.
On the other hand, it implies a significant improvement in quality, which is one of the pillars of the aeronautical industry and a fundamental commitment of Aernnova with its customers.
As advantages, we must also highlight a better use of resources (materials, energy, etc.), an increase in productivity and greater flexibility in our production lines.
ANNnews: How do our capabilities change after adding automation processes?
Antonio Hierro: Obviously our capabilities increase. Automation implies efficiency, therefore, resources that can be used to increase production.
Specifically, at our Intec-Air plant in Cadiz, we have colleagues with more than 30 years of experience in sheet metal work, chemical milling, painting, etc.
It is essential that this experience and know-how acquired over so many years be used in parts with high added value, and that the repetitive and tedious work be left to automatic processes.
ANNnews: Are there any critical issues that can arise from the use of automation?
Antonio Hierro: Over-reliance on technology can lead to system failures, which could result in production stoppages and possible customer delivery problems. We plan to mitigate this by providing adequate training for both maintenance personnel and the operators in charge of handling them. We also envisage diagnostics and troubleshooting through remote connections with the manufacturer.
ANNnews: Do you think that manufacturing automation should be a priority at Aernnova?
Antonio Hierro: It is already a priority at Aernnova. We have highly automated plants. However, in sheet metal fabrication we still have some way to go. And we are working on it.
DIGIFORM will allow us to go from manufacturing parts in an almost artisanal way to using automated and flexible processes.
ANNnews: What, in your opinion, is the future of metal components manufacturing?
Antonio Hierro: Well, I think there is a future. With the advance of technologies such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing, new possibilities are opening up to create lighter and more complex parts that were previously difficult to achieve. In addition, automation and artificial intelligence are optimizing production processes.
On the other hand, and taking into account aspects such as sustainability, we have to look for processes that minimize waste. Industry is increasingly aware of its environmental impact, and this will drive innovations in manufacturing.
