True Mobile/Portable Drilling and Machining, a Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing 2017-01-2084
The evolving Aerospace manufacturing environment has created challenges that until now are not achievable with standard machine tools, large monumental gantry style machines and robots, or even manually operations. The solution is a lightweight, mobile/portable, and modular PKM (Parallel Kinematics Machine) solution, capable of machining to high tolerances, with minimal time and effort to relocate to a different area, at an affordable price
With the carbon fiber PKM module mounted on a mobile platform, the module can simply be relocated using a standard pallet mover or forklift, to all areas in a factory. The module can also be removed from the mobile platform by two people, and mounted in a desired location and in any orientation “in hours”.
The modularity of the PKM does not only make it possible to move it around in different production areas, but also makes it possible to reconstruct in an area that is not typically accessible by machines or robots.
Acting as a mobile machine tool the PKM also eliminates special foundations, leveling of the machine prior to use, high accuracy fixtures, constant recalibration necessary for accurate robotic applications, laborious jig set up for manual operations and inconsistencies associated with manual drilling.
As the manufacturing requirements of the Aerospace industry lead to greater flexibility and cost reduction, the limitations of the machine tool and robotic technology become more exposed. A lightweight, mobile/portable, modular and accurate PKM provides a revolutionary solution for many applications, while paving the way for a paradigm shift in manufacturing.
