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.
A Fori Flex Rail system, utilizing Rail Guided Carts (RGCs) was recently supplied for a rear suspension module build. The system consisted of a main build line, two module alignment machines and a final assembly build line.
The utilization of a Flex Rail System and Rail Guided Carts provides the utmost flexibility for those customers who need to be able to accommodate change easily. The ability to be flexible in the automotive world means less downtime, cost and reduced infrastructure during installation.
Rail Guided Cart based assembly systems are becoming the norm on Fori's Automotive Assembly Systems. The systems can be modified easily, whether it be adding a station or even accommodating fluctuations in throughput requirements.
Fori Flex Rail System - Rail Guided Cart Assembly System with Integrated Robots
Each Rail Guided Cart is a stand along unit with an integrated Siemens Safety PLC and Wireless Client. Utilization of the PLC based system, results in an open architecture to the end user. Each of the carts are outfitted with safety bumpers and collision avoidance laser scanners to ensure the safety of the operators. A video of the Fori Rail Guided Cart can be found here.
Overhead support to the operators for tooling in most cases are simple jib booms and inverted "L" posts that are bolted to the floor to promote flexibility of the system. In instances where sequence and repeatability are critical, a robot is integrated for final torquing and the load and unload of assemblies.
Benefits of the Fori Flex Rail Systems utilizing Rail Guided Carts include:
Increased safety
Improved part and assembly access
Decreased plant infrastructure
Reusable for future programs
Scalable solution - add or remove carts for production fluctuations
For more information on Fori Rail Guided Carts please visit our website or contact us at sales@foriauto.com.
