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The assembly of aircraft structures requires the joining of large and heavy components with the highest precision. In addition, components, some of which are subject to very tight tolerances, must be joined in such a way that the induced forces on the product are minimized.
The EcoPositioner from Broetje-Automation, follows a concept for modular and configurable positioning technology that ensures the highest flexibility and product quality for aircraft structure assembly.
To combine highest quality with an easy-to-use system, Broetje-Automation has developed a fully integrated modular control system. This integrates the measuring system with the central data processing and NC drive controls. Everything is controlled from a central control panel with a state-of-the-art graphical man-machine interface.
The positioning system can be used for various types of structural assembly applications; for example, assembling fuselage sections or joining wings and tails to the fuselage. Based on the two product lines – the horizontal and the vertical EcoPositioner line – and due to Broetje-Automation’s modular strategy, more than 100 000 configurations of positioners can be realized. A solution can be offered for every specific process task.
Automation reduces the scope of manual application. Labour costs decrease, quality assur–ance is greatly simplified. The automated process is faster, therefore the production time is lessened.
Broetje EcoPositioner technology in conjunction with automated metrology, real time force control and smart data processing guarantees an accurate, reproducible and safe process for consistently superior production quality.
The EcoPositioner technology allows the flexible use of assembly stations. Thus the Assembly of several aircraft versions on one station is possible.
The modular concept also provides adaptability of already installed positioners.
The vertical integration of future-oriented technologies and sustainable interconnections in the Factory of the Future are the topics of the “Vertical E2E” research project led by Premium AEROTEC, which was launched in 2022. The first results have now been presented on 25.01.2023 at the Technology Day in the Varel Technology Centre.
German technology companies are working together with Boeing under the leadership of Broetje-Automation on the automated assembly of future aircraft generations within the “SHILA” project. Dr. Anna Christmann, the German government’s aerospace coordinator, presented the funding notice for the project at the Boeing plant in Renton / Seattle. The project is being carried out under the aerospace research program of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK).
