Automated Assembly Fixture Drilling.

摘要

A five-axis, automated assembly drilling fixture was fabricated and implemented in production to drill and countersink holes in aerospace hardware using a movable gantry adapted to an existing A-6E wing outer panel assembly fixture. The drill head, vertical gantry, fluidic controls, and drive systems were designed and fabricated early in the program. Several nosepiece configurations, a normality sensor, and two counter-balance systems were tested evaluated. Operating parameters for the system were established. Drilling tests were performed on aluminum, titanium, and graphite/epoxy workpiece using high-speed steel and carbide drill/countersink cutters.