Solution for Automated Drilling and Lockbolt Installation in Carbon Fiber Structures

Konrad Schwarze; Torsten Mehlenhoff

doi:10.4271/2009-01-3214

2009-11-10

Solution for Automated Drilling and Lockbolt Installation in Carbon Fiber Structures 2009-01-3214

Manual drilling and Lockbolt installation in carbon fiber structures is a labor intensive process. To reduce man hour requirements while concurrently improving throughput and process quality levels BROETJE-Automation developed a gantry positioning system with high performance multi-function end effectors for this application.

This paper presents a unique solution featuring fully automated drilling and Lockbolt installation (inclusive of automated collar installation) for the vertical tail plane (vertical stabilizer) of large commercial aircraft. A flexible and reconfigurable assembly jig facilitates high access of the end effectors and increases the equipment efficiency. The described system fulfils the demand for affordable yet flexible precision manufacturing with the capacity to handle different aircraft model panels within the work envelope.

SAE MOBILUS

Subscribers can view annotate, and download all of SAE's content. Learn More »

Access SAE MOBILUS »

Digital $37.00 Print $37.00

We also recommend:

Standards

SAE Mobilus®

Publications

News

Events

Professional Development

A World in Motion (PreK-12)

Participate with SAE

SAE Membership

Donate

Solution for Automated Drilling and Lockbolt Installation in Carbon Fiber Structures 2009-01-3214

SAE MOBILUS