Ducommun implements quality solution

The OLP inspection program is performed on a CATIA model of an aluminim machined support bracket.

To support its new responsibilities regarding the manufacture of components for the Boeing C-17 program, Ducommun AeroStructures has begun using Tecnomatix eMPower software. The software's solutions will enable Ducommun to deliver quality fuselage components from its newly constructed facility in Gardena, CA.

Ducommun will collaborate across the extended enterprise with Boeing by using the electronic product definition from the airframer to drive the inspection of manufactured components through eMPower, ensuring that the highest-quality standards are met. Using eMPower, Ducommun will also have the ability to access aircraft inspection information from anywhere in the organization via the Web, using a standard browser. This MPM implementation will allow Ducommun to stay tightly linked to Boeing and deliver inspection results consistent with those achieved prior to the outsourcing of these components.

A shop floor simulation of Fairchild Dornier's airplane assembly facility illustrates eMPower software's ability to manage not just the processes involved with the assembly of a single component at a particular workstation, but also entire assembly lines.

eMPower is a suite of various manufacturing process management solutions that enable collaboration via the Web across the entire supply chain. The software supports the entire product development cycle from process planning and detailed engineering to mass production. Using the software, engineers can define manufacturing processes in the form of electronic bills of processes that can be stored on a Web-based, e-Manufacturing Server for easy access across the enterprise.

One solution offered by the software suite is eMPower Quality, which can be used for designing, inspecting, analyzing, and communicating tolerance information throughout the company. The software is capable of predicting the effect of tolerances and sequencing on the manufacturing process. The software can also be used to perform "what if" studies on different scenarios for determination of an optimal solution.

The aircraft assembly process at Fairchild Dornier is simulated using eMPower.

eMPower Quality can be used to create, simulate, and optimize off-line inspection programs for coordinate measuring machines and numerically controlled machine tools. Inspection programs can be generated from within the CAD environment. Measured data from actual parts and assemblies can be compared against original CAD designs using best-fit analyses.

"The Tecnomatix eMPower solution was a key component in our ability to take over the manufacturing and inspection of the aircraft skins for the Boeing C-17 program," said Sam Neer, Vice President of Lean Manufacturing, Ducommun. "eMPower will enable Ducommun to achieve aggressive cost targets of delivering superior quality to Boeing by allowing us to use its product quality definitions to inspect large, complex components right on the machine that manufactures them. Because of this success, we also plan to use eMPower to generate value for our other customers, such as Lockheed and Airbus."

- Frank Bokulich