High precision tooling and ‘zero defects’ enhance aviation safety

In recent years, along with the development of China’s aerospace industry, domestic aircraft manufacturers and aviation companies have ventured beyond China’s borders actively seeking cooperation with prestigious international aviation enterprises in order to establish a “new ecology” within the industry.

Important components of an airplane’s horizontal tail, the elevators are “control surfaces” used to control the ascent and descent of the aircraft and, as such, their function is critical. On the elevator assembly lines of Hafei Airbus, various types of grinders and power drills from Atlas Copco are in use. The cooperation between Atlas Copco and Hafei Airbus dates back to 2010. Today, in addition to the A350 project, more than 300 Atlas Copco material removal tools are being used in the A320 and other projects. These include pneumatic power drills, grinders, frangible collar assembly tools, and ADU’s (Advanced Drilling Units) for positive feed drilling, which produce very high hole quality.

“The Atlas Copco tools we are using are well designed and comfortable and stable to operate,” says a representative from the A350 elevator assembly team at Hafei Airbus. “The tools continue to perform very well after long-term, high-intensity use, which is reassuring for our assembly line operators.”

A subsidiary of AVIC, Hafei continuously upholds its “zero defects" core manufacturing concept and is committed to the goal of “Perfection in every detail”. As the global aviation industry leader, the Airbus Group has extremely strict requirements on process technology and standardization of component production. After its establishment, Hafei Airbus introduced a range of technological processes from the Airbus Group to satisfy Airbus’ technical requirements in all aspects. In the selection of tool suppliers, the most valued merits for Hafei Airbus are stable quality, professional technical support and aftersales service capability.

These requirements fit perfectly with Atlas Copco’s highly professional products and services for aircraft manufacturers as well as with the company’s extensive experience in aircraft assembly. Flawless aerospace components are the result of assembly by high precision tools, and safe and stable aviation is partly thanks to efficient, error-free drilling and precise grinding operations.