Principal design of an assembly system for closed structures as winglet

Purpose and goal

The project gives Flexprop, the participating company, increased knowledge of how their light weight carbon fiber composite fixtures now mainly used in automotive can be used in the manufacturing of airplane structures, and the benefits gained by the customer. The project shows that light weight fixtures in carbon fiber composites can be 3 times lighter and 5 times stiffer than traditional metal fixtures used in aerospace manufacturing. Light weight fixtures also opens up for the use of industrial robots to perform assembly operations, something which is uncommon in aerospace.

Expected results and effects

The projects results has strengthened Flexprop’s knowledge and arguments for how their fixturing technology can be used in aerospace assembly, something that they will use to gain new customers within this segment. A new build principle has also been developed and tested, that simplifies fixture build while still adhering to the stringent demands of aerospace assembly operations.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been carried out by analysing today’s aerospace manufacturing methods and comparing them to the automotive equivalent. The project has also analysed product geometries and process constraints that are similar to the ones in aerospace. This way of working uses Flexprops know-how from the automotive but enhances it to build up capacity for meeting a new customer in aerospace.