State-of-the-art automated fastening and its integration into an existing production infrastructure discussed with an actual example

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State-of-the-art automated fastening and its integration into an existing production infrastructure discussed with an actual example

Rüscher, O. / Mayländer, H.

There are several reasons for aircraft manufacturers to implement new automated fastening equipment. It might require to be changed as a result of a business context. For example, due to the increasing competition of the airlines, what in most cases is followed by tighter margins, the airlines are forced to lower their cost. As a result of this they force their suppliers, the aircraft manufacturers, to reduce their prices for the aircrafts. The suppliers can do so by operating taster and more reliable fastening machines with higher quality output. Another reason for changing from existing machines to new technology is that it creates opportunities for wider applications. All together, the introduction of new systems can provide productivity, quality and cost improvements. Based on such background and forced by expansive production rates in the regional aircraft industry BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE in Belfast, Northern Ireland, took their decisions for soma major steps into the future. The main objectives were to -increase productivity; -increase quality; -reduce production cost and reduce infrastructure cost in manufacturing airframe components. The paper is intended to describe the integration of the latest riveting machine technology into an existing production infrastructure by presenting the process with an actual example. Furthermore, it will characterize and focus on the main aspects of the state-of-the-art technology in automated fastening to meet the important customer production requirements and economical criteria.