Search Results

A drill and rivet machine with a unique dual lower ram has been designed and built. The dual lower ram assembly consists of two horn shaped rams that are mounted at ninety degree angles to one another. Both rams remain operational at all times. When one ram is in place in the front of the machine the other ram is pivoted out to the side of the machine. Each ram has a unique horn shape and carries its own offset lower anvil assembly. The unique horn design allows the ram to reach into high curvature leading edge parts. The operator can select either ram so that a complete ship set of high curvature parts can be produced by the machine with no other tool changes required.

The concept of Concurrent Engineering as it applies to the design and development of new fixtures, tools and automated machinery is discussed. The communication paths that are necessary to allow ideas and data to flow freely and creatively throughout the process development cycle are defined. The technical, financial and legal aspects of a concurrent engineering process development cycle involving a final customer and several vendors is presented. The paper provides a model for other Aerospace Companies to follow in planning their current and future automation requirements.

The two basic methods of process improvement are discussed. The continuous and methodical Japanese system for improvement called KAIZEN is presented along with the typical U.S. approach to improvement called Innovation. The two contrasting methodologies are discussed individually and then are combined to form a strategy for improving the aerospace manufacturing process. The Kaizen of continuous improvements in part fixturing and the innovations of new automatic riveting techniques are combined to provide a tool for survival in the ever increasing competitive aerospace fastening business. The process of transition from today to the future not only means changes in equipment and methods but also changes in people and management. An integrated approach to managing the elements of change is presented. The paper tries the “what is necessary” and the “how to implement” strategies into one comprehensive concept called PROGRESS.

A compact, portable, fully automated rivet installation system for a fraction of the cost of large stationary systems is presented. Hand assembly is still being done in many areas where automated equipment could be used to improve quality and productivity. One such application is minor subassemblies such as clips, brackets etc. that often have fewer than ten or twelve rivets. The system presented is fast, reliable, self contained and can process a wide range of parts. Operation of the system and application of each style of “C” frame are discussed.