BobingenJanuary 07, 2026 – The Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme GmbH The organizers had invited guests to a meeting about drones, and all 80 places for the event were booked in no time. Drone Day on November 27, 2025, was a resounding success. With live machining demonstrations and an engaging lecture program, participants gained valuable knowledge and made valuable contacts. The event evolved into a networking opportunity, as many of the participants, primarily from medium-sized businesses, were seeking ideas and partners for entering the growing market of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Hufschmied is well-connected in the aviation industry and had secured Andreas Gundel, Managing Director of the Aerospace Cluster at bavAIRia eV, to give the keynote address on "The Relevance of Drone Technology." Gundel made the participants aware of the wide range of applications and diverse designs of drones. He highlighted the growth potential and clarified that perception and actual need often diverge when it comes to dual-use drones. Gundel addressed the importance of innovative multi-material mixes and new processing solutions, thus leading into the practical demonstrations in the... Hufschmied-Technology Center about.
Efficient machining
How much material-specific tools depend on Hufschmied Accelerating manufacturing was demonstrated using the example of an aluminum base plate and a Ureol mold for laying the CFRP fabric of a flying wing drone. In addition to machining, ultrasonic cutting was also showcased. The plant technologies that can be used for drone manufacturing were also the subject of the presentation by Wolfgang Hinz, Head of Sales Business Unit Composites & Surfaces at KraussMaffei: "Innovative Lightweight and Fiber Composite Technologies for the Mass Production of Drones." Besides flexible mass production with openness to rapid product adaptations, new materials also played a key role in the "Defense Applications" presentation by Florian Krebs from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He spoke, among other things, about the use of fiber-reinforced ceramics (e.g., C/C-SiC) in high-temperature applications, the challenging post-processing of which is also a major development focus. Hufschmied Patrick Pulendran, Business Development Manager at [company name], explained where his company's approaches lie. Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme GmbH.
Not a traditional aviation industry
The extent to which the development and production of drones differs from the processes in the aerospace industry was highlighted in the presentation “Aerospace Production in the Age of Drone Warfare” by Andreas Pilz, Key Account Director DACH of Skyeton Germany. GmbHOf course. Long certification cycles, limited manufacturing flexibility, and necessary adjustments to EU regulations and standards still need to be overcome to remain competitive in the global market. Dr. Andreas Erber of Mubea Aviation, representing a company that has already successfully completed the entry into drone production considered by many participants, spoke on this topic. GmbH, about “high-volume production for composites”.
“Drones are needed in large numbers for countless civilian and military applications, and the overwhelming interest in our Drone Day shows me that many companies want to take on the challenge,” says Christel Hufschmied, managing director of the Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme GmbH"When aerospace technologies and materials meet the demand for extremely flexible and cost-effective mass production, production processes play a key role. Here, we are working together with our partners on more effective and efficient methods."
