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Publication Details
| Published Date: | |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Robert Flynn, Schuyler Horky |
| Company: | CMSC |
| Print Format: | Technical Paper |
| Citation: | Robert Flynn, Schuyler Horky, "Automated Metrology in a Business Jet Final Assembly Line," The Journal of the CMSC, Vol. 10, No. 1, Spring 2015 |
Abstract
An aircraft final assembly line (FAL) offers many opportunities for improved assembly via metrology. This article describes an implementation of an FAL with automated positioners and a metrology system. The aircraft in question is a business jet with an approximate 105-ft length and 105-ft wingspan. Automated metrology solutions reduce assembly time, improve quality, increase repeatability, and deskill the operation so that those who are not engineers can carry out a more rapid and accurate assembly process. A novel human machine interface (HMI) gives a common look and feel throughout all operations in the multiple work cells, provides user instructions at the task-by-task level, and places a list with task check-off functionality on the screen. The HMI uses SpatialAnalyzer (SA) from New River Kinematics to control laser tracker operations, record data, and communicate with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to command machine actions, yet all functionality is programmable via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for easy modification of user instructions, graphics, and automation.
