Aerospace & Precision

Aerospace and precision engineering automation in Singapore. CNC shot peening, robotic CFRP grinding for aerospace OEMs and engine MRO services providers.

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5-axis CNC shot peening machine for aerospace turbine blade surface treatment with G-code controlled nozzle positioning

Motionwell has delivered 5-axis CNC shot peening machines for turbine blade surface treatment, a process that improves fatigue life by 30-50% through controlled compressive stress layers. We also participated in the Aerospace Open Innovation Challenge (AOIC) 2024 with A*STAR SIMTech, developing force-controlled robotic grinding solutions for CFRP composite panels and nacelle paint removal. We serve aerospace OEMs and engine MRO services providers across the region.

For high-reliability industries, the focus is consistent performance, validated measurement, and build quality that stands up to audit. We design systems where every parameter is traceable, every process step is repeatable, and every result is documented.

Physical installation of CNC shot peening machine for turbine blade processing at aerospace MRO facility
CNC shot peening machine installed at aerospace MRO facility for turbine blade surface treatment
Typical Applications
  • 5-axis CNC shot peening (X/Y/Z/B/C axes) for turbine blades with G-code control, air curtain containment, and integrated dust extraction
  • Force-controlled robotic grinding for CFRP composite panels with 3D scanner guidance and real-time contact force regulation (AOIC 2024 with SIMTech)
  • Nacelle surface paint removal using active force-control tools with spindle speed regulation and color-vision camera feedback
  • Precision linear tracks as robot 7th axis: rack and pinion drive, ±0.05mm repeatability, 2850mm stroke, 100mm profile height
Key Considerations
  • Tight tolerance control with repeatability evidence for aerospace-grade quality acceptance
  • Shot peening process validation using Almen strip intensity measurement, coverage verification, and surface finish documentation
  • Cobot-assisted blade loading with shaped racks accommodating blade geometry (20-30 blades per side, dual-side access)
  • Full documentation packages with maintenance procedures, calibration schedules, and operator training materials
Technical Expertise
  • Multi-axis CNC motion control with OMRON HMI, Delta servo drives, and G-code programming for complex tool paths
  • Force-controlled robotic grinding and polishing (A*STAR SIMTech collaboration with Dr Lin Wei)
  • High-precision mechanical design: low-profile linear tracks (100mm height), gantry systems, and custom fixturing
  • Instrument integration, automated test sequences, and structured reporting for quality assurance workflows
Detail view of 5-axis CNC shot peening machine showing nozzle positioning system and turbine blade fixture
5-axis nozzle positioning system with air curtain containment and dust extraction for controlled shot peening

CNC Shot Peening Machine Technical Specifications

  • Control axes: 5-axis (X/Y/Z/B/C), B-axis swing +/-90 degrees, C-axis 360-degree continuous rotation
  • Control system: Delta motion control with OMRON HMI
  • Shot media: steel shot, ceramic shot, or glass bead, diameter 0.2-1.0mm
  • Peening pressure: 0.3-0.6 MPa
  • Coverage: 100-200% verified by Almen strip intensity measurement
  • Cycle time: 2-5 minutes per blade depending on geometry
  • Blade rack capacity: approximately 20-30 blades per side, dual-side access
  • Cobot-assisted loading for unattended operation
  • Machine footprint: approximately 2.5m x 2.0m x 2.5m
  • Integrated dust extraction system with filter cartridge
  • G-code programming with M-code functions: M03/M05 for peening start/stop, M08/M09 for air curtain, M212/M213 for dust extraction

Force-Controlled Robotic Grinding

The CFRP composite grinding system developed with A*STAR SIMTech uses:

  • 3D scanner guidance for surface mapping before grinding
  • Real-time contact force regulation during grinding to prevent composite delamination
  • Active force-control spindle with speed regulation
  • Color-vision camera feedback for paint removal depth monitoring
  • Application: nacelle surface reconditioning and CFRP panel finishing

Low-Profile Linear Track (Robot 7th Axis)

Motionwell designs ultra-low-profile linear tracks as robot seventh axes:

  • Track total height: 100mm (industry-leading; conventional tracks are 200-400mm)
  • Slide platform load capacity: 1.5 tonnes
  • Track length: configurable, standard 3m with stroke >= 1.5m
  • Maximum travel speed: 500mm/s
  • Repeat positioning accuracy: +/-0.5mm
  • Drive: servo motor + planetary gearbox + ground-grade rack and pinion
  • Guide: dual linear ball bearing rails
  • No pit installation required — bolts directly to factory floor
  • Seamless integration with ABB IRC5/OmniCore controllers for coordinated robot-track motion
Next step: Describe the surface treatment or test process you want to automate. We will assess feasibility and propose a reliable approach.

Not sure where your project fits?

Talk to our engineering team. We will help you map the right approach.