Laser Tracker Assisted Aircraft Machining and Assembly 2008-01-2313

The patented (US 7,277,811 B1) Position Bar provides precise measurement, machining and drilling data for large Engineering and Tooling structure. The Position Bar also supports end item verification seamlessly in the same machining control code. Position Bar measurements are fast, accurate, and repeatable. The true centerline of the machine tool's spindle bearings are being measured to within .002 in a 20 foot cubic volume (20×20×20). True “I”, “J”, & “K” machine tool spindle positions are also precisely measured. Any Gantry or Post Mill Tool can be converted to a Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) with this laser tracker controlled Position Bar. Determinant Assembly (D.A.) holes, for fuselage and wing structures are drilled and then measured to within .006 in X, Y, & Z, over a 40 foot distance. Average laser tracker measurement time, per hole, is 2 seconds. Precise D.A holes, drilled to within .007 in X.Y. & Z, over a distance of 45 feet, are possible with Position Bar and Laser Tracker corrected drilling. More accurate Determinant Assembly holes, at Final Assembly, help to more accurately align and position the 787 fuselage and wing sections.