The Turret Head Fastening System is an enhancement of current three position “C-frame” wing riveting machines. It was designed and built by Boeing as a fully instrumented research machine in 1991 for the 777 Airplane, and as a potential retrofit package for conventional drill, rivet, shave wing assembly machines. It was designed to automatically install rivets and bolts and perform the required hole preparation prior to fastener installation. In its current form, it will clamp a panel; and then as the fastener requires, drill, coldwork, ream, countersink the hole; inspect the hole; apply sealant when required; install threaded fasteners or rivets; torque the nut, swage the collar or upset the rivet as required; shave the rivet to ensure flushness; and finally unclamp the part - all within the current working envelope of a drill, rivet shave machine. Currently, switching from rivets to bolts requires a 5 minute tool change. The machine utilizes a turret (± 45° rotation), coupled with a linear axis for positioning tooling. The tools are arranged on the circumference of the turret, except for the hydraulic axis, which is at the center of rotation. The combination of linear and rotary motion allows the process tools to be tightly nested together, which results in a more compact equipment package, when compared to linear shuttles or conventional turrets. This approach is attractive as a retrofit package because it offers increased process capabilities at reduced capital costs.
