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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 CNC controlled automatic riveting work cell represents the latest State-Of-The-Art in automatic fastening machines and support hardware. ...The knee style machine was developed for fabricating tubular assemblies which are fed into the throat of the machine over an eight inch square lower knee. A CNC controlled four axis positioning system presents the part to the machine for riveting. Support systems include an automatic fastener feed system and a vacuum chip collection system. ...The work cell is controlled by an Allen Bradley series 9/290 enhanced CNC processor. The paper presents each individual system and it's role as part of the total CNC duct riveting work cell.

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 seven axis of control; the five common axis of X, Y, Z, Alpha, and Beta plus lower ram position and tool position on the knee style lower ram.

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.

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 is often the case that while a CNC is used for positioning control, another secondary controller is used to perform the fastener upset. ...In the new process, it has been possible to combine the control of the upset process with the machine CNC, thus eliminating any separate controllers. The fastener upset force profile is controlled throughout the forming of the rivet by using a closed loop force control system that has a load cell mounted directly behind the stringer side forming tool.

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.

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.

The system has been installed on four production CNC riveters and provides enhanced, in-process control of automated fastening machine performance.

The second project entails the computer-numerical-control (CNC) conversion of a spiral bevel gear grinding machine that is used for all aerospace spiral bevel gears.

The process integrates a Laser Tracker to check and align a floor grid assembly; a two spindle, CNC controlled, gantry drilling system to drill the floor grid assembly; a manual work area for the installation of the fittings and other manual work tasks; and a material handling system to move the floor grid assembly through the system.

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).

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.

They were installed on two production CNC riveters to provide improved edge tracing of longerons and drill/countersink control. The optical tracer uses video techniques to maintain a constant edge distance for fastener locations.

TOPASE today has a series of identical C.N.C. machines each capable of complete panel assembly in one operation. This includes installation of rivets, double headed slug rivets and two piece fasteners.

The implementation of an additional controller in the manufacturers CNC allows the correction of the programmed trajectory so that the machining path will match its specifications.

Once this is done, the NC program describing the machining parameters (laser processing conditions) and motion path is loaded into the CNC, a process taking minutes rather than the hours required for setup of hard tooling. The objective of this paper is to present examples of current industrial applications of multiaxis laser systems and to identify keys to successful application of these for processing formed parts.

A single PLC acts as the main overall control, localized motion controllers provide positioning intelligence, and CNC’s control drilling and fastening operations. A best-of-breed approach was used to select the components.