The Automated Coatings Removal System (ACRES) is a custom robotic system developed by Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) to automatically remove paint from large aircraft components in a manner that is safe, efficient, and cost effective.The traditional aircraft depainting process uses manual blasting or chemical stripping methods and can have significant drawbacks: high labor usage, low repeatability, and risk of composite-surface damage. The U.S. Air Force is working proactively to implement new depainting processes that are more cost-effective, reduce the hazardous waste stream, and prevent occupational injuries.ACRES will enable the Air Force to depaint off-airframe components more efficiently and effectively. The system will provide better process consistency, reduce manpower and cost, and remove the operator from a potentially unsafe work environment.
ACRES: A Fully Automated, Versatile System for Depainting Off-Airframe Components
Sae Technical Papers
Aerospace Technology Conference and Exposition ; 2009
2009-11-10
Conference paper
English
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