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The C-Frame Panel Assembly Cell (CPAC) is a high performance panel riveting system. The system is one of the best-selling fastening machine concepts world-wide. It is ideal to fasten small to very large sized skin and wing panels. The CPAC achieves fastest cycle times, while maintaining superb component quality. The highly adaptable system can be configured with a flexible fixture tooling to allow high workpiece flexibility as well as easy production process integration.
The CPAC´s compact design and adjustable station layout enables efficient use of precious shop floor space while keeping investment in building infrastructure to a minimum. The C-frame positioning system can be moved and thus maintained independently from the workpiece positioning system. The workpiece can be loaded vertically as well as horizontally.
With more than 50 installations world-wide the system is well proven in production.
Technical Data
Riveter
- Capacity: up to 21ea rivets/min
- Drill spindle feed: up to 300“/min (7,620 mm/min)
- Drill speed: 50 – 18,000 rpm
- Material: Aluminum / Titanium / Composite
- Countersink repeatability: ± 0.0006” (± 0.015 mm)
- Optional 10/32“ (7.9 mm)
- Fastener diameter (standard tool): 4/32“ – 8/32“ (3.2 mm – 6.4 mm)
- Upset force: up to 18,000 lbs (8,000 daN)
- Clamping force: 110 – 1,543 lbs (50 – 700 daN)
Positioning System
- Linear axes X, Y and Z
- Rotary axes A, B, C
- Positioning accuracy linear axis: ± 0.2 mm
- Positioning accuracy rotary axis: ± 60 arc sec.
Special Features
- All electric fastening system
- High speed tool changer for drill chuck and upper anvils
- High speed / precise drill spindle
- Sensoric system for: Distance, Normality, Tack-rivet, Countersink Depth, Fastener Head Height, Hole Diameter, Sealant (on shaft or in counter sink)
- Edge detection system on lower tool
- Automated fastener feeding system
- Customer specific design of staging equipment for best ergonomics
- Offline Programming System (SOUL OLPS) incl. Virtual Twin Integration, Simulation and Production Optimization Tools
- Integrated state-of-the-art Human Machine Interface (SCORE) incl. 3D workpiece completion reports
- Optional slug fasteners
- Optional collar installation
- Optional automatic lower tool changer
Smart Factory instead of Manual Shimming: SHILA Lays the Foundation for Automated Joining Processes in the Aerospace Industry
- Published on 11 June 2026
- Allgemein
- Factory of the Future
- Processes
Rastede, June 2026 – Broetje-Automation, together with its consortium partners 3D.aero GmbH, Boeing, KEBA Industrial Automation, IPMT – Institute for Production Management and ‑Technology and WZL Aachen GmbH, has successfully completed the research project SHILA – “Shim-free assembly of thin-walled aircraft structures” funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The aim of the project was to develop a fully digitally supported and highly automated process chain that enables precise assembly of large-format, thin-walled CFRP structural components without the previous use of shims.
Rasteder Economic Symposium at Broetje-Automation: Exchange, impulses and strong networks
This year’s Rastede Economic Symposium of the municipality of Rastede once again offered entrepreneurs from the region a valuable platform for exchange, inspiration and new contacts. This year’s event was hosted by Broetje-Automation, which welcomed numerous guests from business, politics and society.