Autoclaves Group Cements Aircelle Partnership

The Company

Aircelle is one of the leading players in the global nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran Group, Aircelle employs almost 3,000 people across seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco.

As the SAFRAN Group’s centre of excellence for composites, hardware produced by Aircelle is utilised by leading aircraft manufacturers and airlines worldwide. It is featured in jetliners such as the Airbus A380 and A330, Boeing’s 747 and 767, the Embraer ERJ 135, 140 and 145 regional aircraft, and the Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet.

The Trading Relationship

In 2006, Autoclaves Group first forged its relationship with Aircelle when supplying a full turnkey installation, including a fully refurbished 3m usable diameter x 6m working length autoclave, for the production of composite components used in aerospace manufacture. The group has since provided service, breakdown and upgrade support on all three on-site autoclave systems.

The Latest Solution

In 2009, Autoclaves Group further cemented its trading partnership with Aircelle when a follow-up order was placed for a new 5.0m usable diameter x 13m working length autoclave system to be used in the manufacture of the A340 and A380 Trent engine covers.

A full installation and commissioning brief was supplemented by an additional requirement to provide high-pressure compressor systems and air receivers, along with water cooling systems. The remit also highlighted the need to work closely with key Aircelle personnel at all stages throughout the project.

It was agreed at the outset that, due to the size and weight of the autoclave, the most cost effective solution would be to complete manufacture on site, due to prohibitive costs of road transportation.

Five individual three-metre autoclave sections were delivered to site, offloaded and located on individual manipulator units. Each section was then welded to the next using an automatic sub arc welding system to manufacture the complete vessel.

On completion of the autoclave shell build, the system was fully fitted out using carefully selected component parts to ensure the system delivered the original specification requirements – together with the best possible performance and repeatability demanded throughout the aerospace industry.

Customer Satisfaction

Mike Mitchell, Aircelle Facilities and Capital Assets Manager, commented: “We follow a philosophy of operational excellence – a methodology adopted to keep us at the cutting edge of our industry sector.

“I am pleased to say that from day one of this project, the team at Autoclaves Group has fully understood our approach and put in a great deal of effort to provide a completed system that has integrated seamlessly with our existing facility, within a very tight timeframe.

“By working together with our production and engineering teams, they have provided us with an extremely cost effective solution – without cutting any corners or compromising product quality or process safety.”

The Partnership Approach

Russell Gibson, Managing Director of Autoclaves Group, said: “The partnership with Aircelle has proved extremely positive and productive. Their management fully recognises the mutual benefit of developing and cementing long-term relationships with selected suppliers who, like ourselves, are ready to commit to supporting the company’s growing business, at the same time striving for ever-improving performance and enhanced business practices.

“We fully understand that the aerospace industry both demands and deserves excellence. Through extensive product development and testing, Autoclaves Group delivers fully engineered and proven autoclave systems for curing carbon fibre composites.