Retrofitting to Achieve Automated Assembly and Burr-Less Drilling

Throughout the years aircraft producers have struggled with the elusive goal of “Automated Assembly of aircraft structures”. This goal has been attempted in conjunction with and tempered by the basic reality of current aircraft manufacturing methodology. Automated systems have been used for years, but have almost exclusively been based on time tested technology, the derivation of which is “C Frame” riveters. There have been attempts to automatically move the panels, skins and bulkheads using CNC equipment. There have been other attempts to move the riveting head itself; however the basic premise has been a two sided fastener. There are many new technologies attempting to modify the basic paradigm, aircraft are for the most part held together by rivets. The art remains to a substantial degree unchanged.