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The use of CNC automatic fastening on large aircraft structures requires a process-oriented approach. Included in that process are factors related to the parts and assemblies, tooling, machine control data, as well as the automated fastening machine itself. ...This paper summarizes some challenges and solutions that occurred during the production implementation of such a CNC assembly process for very large aircraft structures.

The multiple axis flexible CNC riveting cell consists of three major systems: a multi-axis part positioner, a multiple head drill and rivet machine and a multi-bowl rivet feed system. ...The multiple axis flexible CNC riveting cell consists of three major systems: a multi-axis part positioner, a multiple head drill and rivet machine and a multi-bowl rivet feed system. The CNC positioner has six axis of control; the five common axis of X, Y, Z, Alpha, and Beta plus tool position on the lower ram.

Electroimpact has recently produced a high-speed fuselage panel fastening machine which utilizes an all-electric, CNC-controlled squeeze process for rivet upset and bolt insertion. The machine is designed to fasten skin panels to stringers, shear ties, and other internal fuselage components. A high riveting rate of 15 rivets per minute was achieved on the first-generation E7000 machine. This rate includes drilling, insertion, and upset of headed fuselage rivets. The rivets are inserted by a roller screw-driven upper actuator, with rivet upset performed by a lower actuator driven by a high-load-capacity ball screw. The rivet upset process can be controlled using either position- or load-based feedback. The E7000 machine incorporates a number of systems to increase panel processing speed, improve final product quality, and minimize operator intervention.

This paper highlights the key lessons learnt from the introduction of a CNC auto-fastening machine to an existing wing production line. It outlines some key machine and process lessons, and emphasises the benefits of using a team approach for such a project.

The machine was originally commissioned with a Terra five axis CNC control. The Terra company went out of business and the controls were replaced with a custom DOS application in 1990. ...Electroimpact proposed to retrofit with a Fanuc 31I CNC, and in addition, to replace all associated sensors, cables and feedback systems. This work is now complete on two of the four machines. ...Both left front and right front are in production with the new CNC control.

CNC technology is slowly finding its way into the manufacturing mainstream. Though the manufacturer often lacks the capital to invest in technically advanced equipment; there is a less expensive route to achieving this critical competitive edge. ...Rebuilding and retrofitting existing machine tools with the latest in CNC parts and accessories can reduce the burden of capital asset investment by 40% or more. The aerospace industry has been retrofitting riveters with the most innovative technological advancements in CNC controls and instrumentation to date. ...The aerospace industry has been retrofitting riveters with the most innovative technological advancements in CNC controls and instrumentation to date. Innovations in wing riveting have improved overall process simplicity, operability and part quality.

Robotic gripper technology has been integrated into CNC riveting machines. Handling fasteners efficiently is critical in automated wing panel riveting.

It provides full CNC control, quick reconfiguration of hole patterns, fast drilling of up to 3000 holes in one 8-hour shift, drills both titanium and aluminum and works inside the fuselage.

The assembly work has been accomplished using Gemcor CNC Drivmatic systems. These systems have performed reliably since their initial installation in the late 1960's, but have recently begun to show their age.

Each line consists of three fully automated CNC controlled flexible fixtures placed end to end serviced by two E4100 CNC assemble machines.

The Flexible Lateral Seam Riveting system (FLSR) proposed by Gemcor will be able to automatically, under CNC and tracer control, rivet both lateral and radial joints without the use of dedicated and fixed machine track systems.

This equipment is considered new technology for it's combination of features which include: CNC positioning, sealant installation, drilling of multiple hole diameters in a single cycle, domenut installation, as well as the capability of varying hole spacing for alternate domenut needs.

There have been attempts to automatically move the panels, skins and bulkheads using CNC equipment. There have been other attempts to move the riveting head itself; however the basic premise has been a two sided fastener.

With the addition of secondary feedback, high-order kinematic model, and a fully integrated conventional CNC control, robotic technology can now compete on a performance level with customized high precision motion platforms.

These techniques rely on using three-dimensional CAD data in the form of wing surface models stiffener (stringer) models fastener maps The introduction of a new CNC wing riveting machine necessitated the re-programming of Airbus A320, A321, A330 and A340 wing panel assemblies.

A short list of the changes made to the machine includes a new CNC, new motors, scales, spindles, and new technologies such as laser tracers and normality sensors.

This method of assembly (prior to automatic fastening) uses a new generation, accurate CNC machine tool in conjunction with reconfigurable part fixturing techniques and specialized end-of-arm tools (end effectors).

Use of today’s advance 3-Dimensional CAD systems coupled with the high accuracy of CNC machines enables the success of the determinate assembly approach for aircraft tooling. This approach provides the aircraft manufacturer significant lead-time reductions while at the same time it supports enhanced system flexibility.

The predominantly auto-generated programs are executed on a single Siemens CNC that controls two Electroimpact-enhanced Kuka 6 axis robots. This paper documents the system design including the specification, applicable technologies, descriptions of system components, and the comprehensive system integration.

To accomplish this a CNC controlled electromagnetic interface was developed, capable of pulling with 0-3400 pounds. This electromagnetic safety base releases when impact occurs from the sides or during downward motion (5 sided crash protection), and it retains all riveting and bolting functionality.