Aerospace, Defence & Robotics
Component cleaning for the aerospace industry. Where rework is not an option.
Engine components with complex cooling bores, hydraulic components in safety-critical systems, precision gearboxes in robot joints: in these cases, the component itself is the most expensive factor – and the documentation is just as important as the end result. We design cleaning processes so that they do not damage the material, achieve reproducible levels of cleanliness and remain verifiable.
Three fields, one common thread: process reliability
The aerospace, defence and robotics sectors differ significantly in terms of components and production volumes – yet the requirements for reproducibility and documentation are equally high in all three.
Aerospace
Complex cooling and media bores, particularly high-quality materials that cannot tolerate any surface damage – and stringent documentation requirements. Both film and particulate cleanliness are required simultaneously, whilst dealing with varying component geometries. In aerospace and vacuum applications, organic residues present an additional problem in their own right.
Defence
The challenge facing this sector: robust vehicle and powertrain components on the one hand, and high-purity sensor technology on the other – often under one roof. Added to this are varying geometries, small production runs, high standards of traceability and the need to handle components and processes with the utmost confidentiality.
Robotics and Mechatronics
Actuator housings, precision gearboxes, ball screws, bearings: Foreign particles in gearboxes and bearings are the main enemy here, as they only become apparent once the components are in the field. Cleaning takes place prior to precision assembly, specified lubrication, bonding, sealing and the integration of electronics or sensors.
Typical components
- Engine and turbine components, parts with cooling bores
- Hydraulic components, actuators, landing gear components
- Valves and fuel system components
- Precision parts for aerospace and satellites
- Drive and transmission components, vehicle components
- Sensor and electronics housings
- Actuator housings, precision gearboxes, gear wheels, ball screws
- Bearing components, joint and structural parts, gripper components
- Fluidic and cooling channels, sensor mounts
Typical types of dirt
- Coolant lubricants, machining oils, hydraulic oil
- Metal particles, swarf, grinding and polishing residues
- Film-like contamination, particles on adhesive and contact surfaces
- Scale, preservatives
- Grease and corrosion on maintenance parts
- Organic residues in aerospace and vacuum applications
Why we clean
Coating · Assembly · Non-destructive testing · Functional safety of hydraulic systems · Cleanroom integration · Vacuum applications · Prevention of foreign particles in gearboxes and bearings
Cleanliness that is documented
When it comes to safety-critical components, a clean result is not enough – it must be verifiable and repeatable. That is why we work with defined, documentable protocols, tailor movement and fluid flow to the specific bore and channel geometry, and select processes that do not damage the material or the surface. Where an application requires both film-like and particulate cleanliness, we combine several mechanisms of action rather than trying them one after the other. And we take post-cleaning handling into account – cleanliness that is lost on the way to assembly is of no use to anyone.
Documented programmes
even for small production runs
Design that minimises material wear
for high-quality alloys
Drilling operations are coming up empty
no residue in the component
In-house testing laboratory
Evidence not held by the third party
OUR SOLUTIONS: TAILOR-MADE CLEANING SYSTEMS FROM SILBERHORN
Small production runs, high-quality materials, stringent documentation requirements: our machinery operates using predefined programmes and is designed to minimise material wear – even when drilling complex cooling and media holes.
Aerospace, vacuum and sensor-related components
In vacuum applications and for components in close proximity to sensors, organic residues are just as important as particles. We treat these applications as a distinct purity level – with dedicated processes, controlled media circuits and a handling concept right through to handover.
Services – have it cleaned, have it checked
Contract cleaning without any investment on your part.
We can take care of cleaning your components as part of our contract cleaning service – during periods of peak demand, at the start of production runs, or if it is not yet cost-effective to operate your own facility.
In-house VDA test laboratory.
Residual contamination analysis in accordance with VDA 19 / ISO 16232, documented and archived – the basis for your own record-keeping.
Frequently asked questions from the aerospace, defence and robotics sectors
How does Silberhorn handle confidential components?
Confidential. We do not publicly display or cite as references any components or processes from defence projects.
Can the same process be used for robust components and for high-purity components?
Rarely a sensible option. The requirements are too far apart – in practice, this leads to compromises that leave both sides dissatisfied. Separate programmes or separate systems are the norm; we can help you assess which option is economically viable.
Does the cleaning process damage high-quality alloys?
Not if the processes, media and temperature control are designed for that purpose. That is precisely why, with these components, we start with a series of tests on the original part rather than with a standard formula.
How does Silberhorn clean components with complex cooling bores?
It is crucial that the medium flows through the bore and then flows out completely. To achieve this, we move the component during the process and tailor the flow pattern and direction of outflow to the geometry of its bore and channels; where necessary, high pressure is applied, provided the material and component allow for this. We will determine in advance at our technical centre which combination is suitable for your component.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR
CLEANING TASK
Please tell us about your cleaning requirements. You’ll receive a no-obligation reply directly from our team of experts within 24 hours.
