F/A-18E/F Outer Wing Driller Boeing, St. Louis Missouri

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AIT was chosen as the Prime Contractor/Integrator to provide a turnkey automated drilling system for the F/A-18E/F outer wing assembly. This system is used to automatically drill, countersink, and ream holes in multi-material stacks composed of carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium in various combinations of each material and thickness. The graphical user interface (GUI) on the machine will present in-process data in graphical format as well as a NC format. The AIT scan and correct feature locating system will utilize a spindle-mounted CCD camera to allow for direct indexing of the machine to the work piece.

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This smaller sized "mini" driller has been specifically designed by AIT to help overcome many of the disadvantages associated with conventional drilling machines. Please click here for more information on the mini driller technology developed by AIT.

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Features

Stationary 5 - Axis Drilling Machine

Drill and Countersink Fastener Holes in Outer Wing Assembly

Use Scan and Correct Feature to Index Driller to Subassembly

Present Drilling Data to Operator on M&G Format and GUI

Right-Sized Lean Manufacturing Format and GUI

Reduced Tooling Costs Resulting for Engineering Changes

Increased Flexibility & Ergonomics