Aerospace precision manufacturing in accordance with EN 9100 for complex components
As a Swiss manufacturing partner, REWAG produces complex aerospace components using CNC manufacturing under an EN 9100:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system – from production-oriented prototyping to worldwide delivery under volume contracts.
Precision Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry places demands on suppliers that go far beyond machining accuracy alone: manufacturing and inspection processes must be documented, reproducible, and stable over many years. Components often feature complex geometries and are made from materials that can only be machined reliably using carefully coordinated machining strategies.
REWAG manufactures near-series prototypes of precision aerospace components according to customer drawings, with the aim of progressing to subsequent volume contracts. Production is certified in accordance with EN 9100, while the quality management system is certified to ISO 9001. Automated CNC processes in climate-controlled production facilities ensure that once a process has been qualified, it delivers consistent results with every call-off – providing the basis for recurring production orders and long-term supply relationships.
Manufacturing Expertise for Complex Aerospace Components
CNC 5-Axis Simultaneous Milling
REWAG manufactures complex component geometries on CNC milling centers with up to 6-axis machining and 5-axis simultaneous machining. Machining with as few setups as possible reduces setup errors and shortens the process chain. With 210 tool stations, 80 pallet stations, and sister tool management, the systems enable highly automated 24/7 production where required. This results in stable, repeatable processes that can be directly applied to recurring orders.
CNC Turning and Turn-Milling
For rotationally symmetric components and components requiring a combination of turning and milling, CNC turning/milling centers with up to 13 axes are available, capable of operating with up to four tools simultaneously. Multiple machining steps are combined into a single process: turning, milling, deep-hole drilling, and micro-drilling starting at 0.1 mm in diameter. This shortens turnaround times and makes the production of recurring components cost-effective.
CAD/CAM-Based Production Planning
Before production begins, REWAG verifies the technical feasibility of each component. At CAD/CAM workstations (hyperMILL), machining strategies, tooling and clamping concepts, and the definition of manufacturing and inspection steps are developed. This planning determines how a component will later be manufactured reproducibly in series production—and identifies potential for optimization before the first clamping takes place.
Automated CNC Manufacturing
Pallet handling, tool management, and standardized processes enable largely automated production around the clock. For aerospace customers, this means consistent process quality regardless of batch size and call-off frequency, supporting reliable planning for recurring production and scheduled call-offs. Automation thus serves as the technical foundation for volume contracts and framework agreements.
Machining of High-Performance Materials
Aerospace components are often made of materials whose machining places high demands on tools, machines, and process control. REWAG machines materials such as titanium, Inconel, Hastelloy, duplex steels, stainless steels, aluminum, and brass, as well as specialty materials like molybdenum and tungsten.
Alloys that are difficult to machine, such as titanium or Inconel, tend to cause work hardening and high thermal stress on the cutting edge. Stable, documented processes ensure that results remain consistent even with recurring orders. Each batch is metrologically inspected; the results are recorded and assigned to the component.
From Production-Oriented Prototyping to Recurring Series Production
At REWAG, near-series sample production is not an isolated prototype order, but rather the first step toward recurring production. The process is designed to prepare for the subsequent series production right from the start.
1. Technical Inquiries and Testing
REWAG reviews drawings, technical specifications, material requirements, and quality and documentation requirements, and assesses manufacturability.
2. Production and Process Planning
Selection of appropriate manufacturing processes, CAD/CAM planning, definition of machining steps, planning of workholding setups, and determination of inspection processes.
3. Prototype production close to series production
The prototypes are produced under conditions similar to those in actual production—on the same machines and using the same processes as the eventual production run. The machining strategy is verified, and opportunities for optimization become apparent.
4. Metrological Testing and Documentation
Testing in our own measurement laboratory, preparation of the agreed-upon measurement reports, and technical coordination with the customer.
5. Process Optimization and Approval
Workflows are stabilized, the machining strategy is adjusted as needed, and the process is approved for repeat production.
6. Conversion to Volume Contracts
The qualified process is incorporated into recurring production orders, framework agreements, and scheduled call-offs—with consistent process and quality requirements, long-term delivery capability, and worldwide delivery.
For the customer, this results in a qualified supplier with a verified process: The effort involved in the initial qualification pays off over the entire term of the contract because changes to the process are made in a controlled and documented manner.
Quality Assurance, Measurement Technology, and Traceability
REWAG meets the quality requirements of the aerospace industry through certified processes, industrial measurement technology, and traceable documentation—from supplier qualification to individual batches.
Quality Management According to EN 9100 and ISO 9001
REWAG is certified to EN 9100 and operates a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001. For supplier qualification, this means: defined manufacturing and inspection processes, documented approvals, controlled process flows, and quality inspections during production. Changes and deviations are handled in a traceable manner—from identification and evaluation to documented corrective actions. The current EN 9100 certificate is available for download.
Industrial Measurement Technology and Test Reports
How does REWAG inspect and document aerospace components? The components are inspected using tactile and optical methods in the company’s own climate-controlled measurement laboratory (20 °C ± 0.5 °C); the results are documented in agreed-upon measurement and inspection reports.
At the heart of the process is the ZEISS Micura 3D coordinate measuring machine (accuracy 0.7 μm + L/400), supplemented by a video measuring projector, DXF comparison measurements, and conventional measuring equipment. Evaluations such as CPK, CMK, and MSA are possible. Upon request, REWAG prepares customer-specific quality documentation and provides material certificates in accordance with agreed-upon requirements.
Batch and Process Traceability
Production lots are identified and documented throughout the entire manufacturing process: material and lot records, inspection results, and the relevant manufacturing documents are assigned to the component. Customer-specific documentation requirements are taken into account during process planning and become an integral part of the process. For Supplier Quality Managers, this means that every delivery can be traced back to the specific material and process step.
Global Delivery of Aerospace Components
REWAG supplies aerospace customers worldwide—on time, in appropriate packaging, and with complete accompanying and quality documentation. Shipping and export processes are designed for recurring call-offs under volume contracts: The customer receives every shipment with the same documented quality certificates, regardless of the destination. All components leave the factory «ready to use,» having been cleaned in our in-house parts cleaning facility.
REWAG as a Certified Aerospace Partner
REWAG Feinmechanik AG is an owner-managed Swiss company based in Waldkirch, SG, founded in 1999. Its manufacturing operations are certified to EN 9100, and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001. REWAG is a member of SWISS ASD (the Aeronautics, Security, and Defense Division of Swissmem) and the Swiss Aerospace Cluster.
Its in-house machinery with a high degree of automation (24/7 production), its own climate-controlled measurement laboratory, experience with challenging materials, and global delivery capabilities make REWAG a qualified partner for long-term aerospace supply relationships.
Contact Person for Aerospace Projects
For aerospace inquiries, Peter Studer, Quality Manager (Aviation), is the designated contact person. He oversees supplier qualifications, quality requirements, and technical clarifications.
Peter Studer – Quality Manager (Aviation)
Phone +41 71 433 28 20
peter.studer@rewag.ch
Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace Manufacturing at REWAG
Yes, REWAG is certified to EN 9100. This certification confirms that our manufacturing and testing processes meet the requirements of the aerospace industry and simplifies the supplier qualification process. The current certificate is available as a PDF.
REWAG manufactures using CNC 5-axis simultaneous milling (up to 6-axis machining), CNC turning, and turn-mill operations with up to 13 axes, CAD/CAM-supported production planning, and automated CNC manufacturing in 24/7 operation. Metrological testing is performed in the company’s own metrology laboratory.
REWAG machines materials such as titanium, Inconel, Hastelloy, duplex steels, stainless steels, aluminum, and brass, as well as specialty materials like molybdenum and tungsten. The company focuses on materials that are difficult to machine, the processing of which requires tailored strategies and stable processes.
“Near-production prototyping” means that prototypes are produced under the same conditions as the eventual production run—on the same machines, using the same processes. This allows the manufacturing process to be tested and optimized before it is incorporated into volume contracts and framework agreements.
REWAG prepares measurement and test reports from its own measurement laboratory, provides material certificates and batch records, and implements customer-specific documentation requirements. Analyses such as CPK, CMK, and MSA are available.
Yes. Production lots are identified and documented; materials, test results, and manufacturing records are assigned to each component. Traceability is an integral part of the EN 9100-certified processes.
Yes, REWAG ships worldwide. Shipping, packaging, and accompanying documentation are designed to accommodate international supply chains and recurring orders; each shipment includes the agreed-upon quality documentation.
Discuss the aerospace project
To provide a well-founded initial assessment, REWAG requires: technical drawings, material specifications, the desired scope of delivery, projected volume trends, quality and documentation requirements, and the desired delivery date. Based on this information, you will receive an assessment of manufacturability and the next steps leading up to near-production prototyping.
Aerospace
With this certification, we have once again significantly enhanced our performance profile in terms of quality, delivery reliability, and cost efficiency. This qualifies us as a provider of precision engineering products and services for an even broader range of discerning customers.
We take on this challenge with enthusiasm and ambition—true to our company motto, «Passion for Precision Engineering.»
