The aerospace industry is all about precision, safety, and speed. At Columbus McKinnon, we're here to empower your journey. We offer aerospace automation solutions that streamline production, minimize human error, and enhance equipment efficiency. Our solutions range from hoists, cranes, and automated lifting systems that are designed specifically for manufacturing, maintaining, and repairing commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft.
Contact our automation team to discuss your application needs today
The heart of any automated system lies in its drives and radios. Our innovative IMPULSE® variable frequency drives prioritize safety and offer a package of crane-specific capabilities that outpace general-purpose drives. Our commitment involves:
View all of our IMPULSE Drives
We thrive on challenges with our engineered-to-order solutions. Designed for complex aerospace projects that need customization, these solutions combine industry-leading products, software, and tailored programming. Our customizable systems can include variable frequency drives, collision avoidance technology, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), wireless and RF communication, workflow monitoring, and more. These systems deliver:
In the world of aerospace, synchronization is key. Our IMPULSE® Drive Synchronization Software offers precise motion control, eliminates uneven lifts, and enhances both operator and facility safety. Say goodbye to manual leveling of hoists and enjoy reduced margins of error.
Experience superior control with our Bucket Control software. Designed for operations like lifting, lowering, opening, and closing of clamshell or grapple buckets, it uses two IMPULSE®·VG+ Series 4 Drives to control bucket motions without the need for a separate PLC. This reduces costs while electronic programmable limit switches streamline tasks such as wire rope replacement, boosting overall productivity.
Load sway or swing can disrupt productivity and create safety concerns in aerospace operations. Our innovative Sway Control Systems (SCS) tackle this issue head-on. Optional with our IMPULSE®·G+ Series 4 Drives, these systems reduce load swing without the need for extra external PLCs or costly height measurement devices. They enable precise load placement and reduce material damage from unintended contact. Integrated into your operations, they help position aircraft components with minimal sway.
Discover the benefits of using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to control your crane or hoist in our blog post, 7 Benefits of Using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to Control Your Crane or Hoist. Learn about increased hoist life, digital diagnostics, and more.
Read our case study, Aircraft Maintenance System Fits All Using Turnkey Lifting System, on how Kern Steel Fabrication, Inc. created an aircraft maintenance system adaptable to various aircraft models.
Discover how the United States Air Force Base's aircraft maintenance group collaborated with Magnetek to design a custom overhead materials delivery system in Automated Wheel and Strut Paint Line Monorail System.
Join Columbus McKinnon to unleash the full potential of automation. If you're ready to revolutionize your aerospace manufacturing operations, get in touch today. Let's take flight into the future of innovation together!
North America - EN
