Gantry 5 Axis Dnc/Cnc High Speed Milling and Drilling Machine With Integrated Multiflexible Universal Holding Fixture for the Aerospace Industry

Document Number: 941836

Date Published: October 1994

Author(s):
Juan Solano - M. Torres Disenos Ind.
Ed Bella - Manca, Inc.

Abstract:
An airplane fuselage structure basically consists of many individual fuselage panels which differ considerably in size and shape. Each individual panel is automatically assembled from individual components, such as the panels, frames, stringers, clips, shear ties, window frames, etc.

In order to automatically assemble the fuselage panel, it is necessary to produce ready-to-match structural components, manufactured to drawing by numerically controlled machines.

For the net trimming and drilling of locator holes at fuselage panels, a gantry DNC/CNC high speed milling and drilling machine series with the integrated multiflexible Universal Holding Fixture has been specially designed. By integrating the multiflexible holding fixture, the system provides the highest grade of flexibility and reduces changeover time from one workpiece configuration to another to 2 minutes or less, thus eliminating a large number of expensive dedicated holding fixtures. The panels are held rigidly in position by vacuum. All support rods with vacuum cups move in the X-/Y-/Z-directions simultaneously; the support rods are automatically locked after reaching their final positions. Programming takes place via user-friendly PC-software. Standard vacuum cups are offered in various sizes with tilting capability of up to 45o. During the machining process, all holding points are monitored by vacuum sensors and are displayed on the monitor of the control system. The multiflexible holding fixture is controlled by its own controller and operates independently from the gantry machine.

Universal holding fixtures are designed by applying a well- proven modular concept and therefore are available in different design configurations in any size to be integrated/interfaced to existing machines.

Applications of the system include the machining of, e.g.: -- flat and compound-contoured fuselage panels; --wing skins; -- composite structures; --honeycomb components; --frames/chords; -- stringers.

File Size: 494K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at Aerofast Conference & Exposition, October 1994, Montreal, QC, CANAD, Session: Aerofast Conference & Exposition

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