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To move this process into the world referred to as CNC, many traditional concepts need challenged. The manufacturing engineering environment must take the position that riveting can be a machine tool process capable of utilizing the latest in CNC technology. ...The manufacturing engineering environment must take the position that riveting can be a machine tool process capable of utilizing the latest in CNC technology. The ability to assemble components with a wide range of tolerances via the accuracy of computers is a reality if proper concepts are employed.

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.

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.

Previous work has greatly reduced this error through the use of secondary scales and a mathematical model of the robot deflection running on a CNC controller. Further research improved upon this model by accounting for linear deformation of each robot link regardless of position.

New controller and drill spindle designs made it possible to redesign the AFDE as a self-contained unit with on-board CNC, custom operator interface, RF network and more compact drill spindles for increased robustness and versatility.

Very large multi-axis CNC machines offer a special challenge for efficient and accurate machine compensation. Aerospace applications demand tight tolerances, but conventional compensation methods become expensive for large machines.

A piezoelectric tool actuator system is presented for precision turning of turbine shafts on conventional CNC turning centers. The actuator system provides precise motion in the radial direction to accurately set the depth of cut in finish turning.

The paper formulates basic requirements to the tool-holder/spindle interface for different machining operations. A comparison of some alternative and commercially available designs is presented. Two advanced interface designs which are fully compatible with existing 7/24 taper spindles and toolholders while providing enhanced accuracy in axial and radial directions, higher stiffness, insensitivity to high rpm, and reliability at high rpm are described and results of their evaluation are presented.

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.

This joint technical paper is presented by Bombardier, expounding on manufacturing process challenges with the C Series aircraft design requirements and Gemcor presenting a unique solution to automatically fasten CFRP aft fuselage panels and aluminum lithium (Al Li) cockpit panels with the same CNC Drivmatic® system. After installation and preliminary acceptance at Bombardier, the CNC system was further enhanced to automatically fasten the carbon fiber pressure bulkhead dome assembly. ...Bombardier faced new manufacturing process challenges drilling and fastening CSeries* aircraft panels with multi-material stacks of composite (CFRP), titanium and aluminum in which Gemcor responded with a unique, flexible CNC Drivmatic® automatic fastening system, now in production at Bombardier. This joint technical paper is presented by Bombardier, expounding on manufacturing process challenges with the C Series aircraft design requirements and Gemcor presenting a unique solution to automatically fasten CFRP aft fuselage panels and aluminum lithium (Al Li) cockpit panels with the same CNC Drivmatic® system.

Machine programming investigates a new STEP While the machining industry has adapted to the 50-year-old standard for CNC machine language commonly known as G-Code, a community of engineers has worked on a replacement, the STEP AP238 protocol known as STEP-NC.

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

On CNC Machines, drilling holes under perfect condition is possible. For drilling holes into titanium, composite and aluminum stacked materials the specific cutting condition can be selected. ...When drilling holes in the final assembly, CNC machine tools cannot be employed due to sizes and accessibility. Power Feed Units or Automated Drill Units ADUs are very handy, flexible and depending upon the jig extremely rigid. ...In the mind-set of the fourth industrial revolution, this article presents a completely new approach in the ADU Technology, while the benefits in the capability of CNC machine tools are now available on ADUs likewise. The benefits of using individual cutting condition for every layer in composite/metal stacked material, the worldwide online-process and -data monitoring, the improved tool-management and traceability, the remote diagnostic and improved cutting tool development functions will show a variety of extremely useful and new features.

Each of the 7 axes is enhanced with secondary position encoders and the entire system is controlled by a Siemens 840Dsl CNC. The CNC handles all process functions, robot motion, and executes software technologies developed for superior dynamic positional accuracy, including enhanced kinematics.

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.