Textron A330-340 Wing Panel Machine

The Automatic Electromagnetic Riveting Assembly Cell (AERAC) was developed for Textron Aerostructures to permit wing to stringer riveting in the panel jigs. By performing wing to stringer fastening operations in the floor assembly jigs (FAJ) much of the handling typical of wing to stringer operations is eliminated. In addition, many operations are also eliminated. For example, to accurately transfer wing components from jigs to conventional riveting stations a large number of temporary fasteners are typically required. These temporary fasteners must be replaced with permanent fasteners in a pickup station. These operations are completely eliminated.

Innovative features are incorporated in several areas. A unique clamp-up system is employed. An electronic depth stop and dwell mechanism is employed for both the drill and shaver. The Low Voltage Electromagnetic Riveter coaxially feeds a rivet and automatically senses rivet grip length before upset. All of the rivets required for riveting one panel are carried along with the yoke in cartridges. The cartridge rivet feeding system is uniquely compact, simple and reliable.

The vertical yoke wing panel assembly system went online in January 1991 and has been building 4-5 ship sets of A330/340 wing panels a month since then. Two separate FAjs, each with its own yoke machine, have installed over 10 million rivets since installation.