Manual drill & fill has been a topic of conversation within the Aerospace industry due to the health and safety concerns. Utilization of automated drill & fill systems with a mobile platform has helped alleviate these concerns.
Fori recently supplied a custom Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) for automated drill & fill. The automated drill & fill system is used for the side panel of a large commercial aircraft.
The AGV is required to auto-lift and level the platform upon arrival in each production station. The AGV must be positioned within +/- .005" and level within +/- .16 degrees. This is accomplished through the utilization of inclinometer feedback and precision servo motion control.
Fori Aerospace Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) for Automated Drill & Fill Tooling Transport
Strict requirements were placed on the actual AGV frame design and the allowable deflection while traveling. The frame was designed to deflect less than .03" during transport of the drill & fill system from station to station.
AGVs within the Aerospace industry will enable the automated tooling to move to the part versus traditional systems where the part has always moved to the tool or machine station. The results will include minimized part handling and a substantial reduction in crane utilization.
Long term, the automated drill & fill system will minimize safety and health concerns, while increasing throughput.
For more information on Fori Aerospace AGVs, please visit our website or contact us at sales@foriauto.com.
