Boeing Employs Fastening Robots To Fuel Profits
FEATURE
Faster production of commercial jets continues to drive profits at the Boeing Co., which saw earnings jump 25% in the third quarter, according to the Associated Press.
Commercial jet manufacturing is playing an increasingly significant role at Boeing, which is known for its military and space programs.
In the third quarter of 2015, the aerospace company delivered 199 commercial jets, up from 186 during the same quarter last year. And more of those jets are expensive wide-bodies, such as the 787 Dreamliner, AP reports. During Q3, Boeing delivered 37 Dreamliners to airlines, up from the 31 it delivered in the third quarter of 2014.
“The challenge now for Boeing is to bring down the production cost of the long-delayed Dreamliner so it can bring in more cash and maybe, someday, breakeven on the plane whose development costs ran over budget,” writes AP reporter Scott Mayerowitz.
To accomplish this, Boeing is turning to automation.
Boeing reportedly began implementing the 777’s Fuselage Automated Upright Build (FAUB) process during Q3. The new machinery employs automated guided robots designed by KUKA Robotics to drill and fill some 60,000 fasteners that attach the panels that comprise the 777’s forward and aft body sections, according to AIN.com.
“The new process will use automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to move the components of FAUB into position, including work stands, fuselages and the robotic arms that drill and insert fasteners. The robots, positioned inside and outside the fuselage, not only drill the holes, but also act as a bucking bar and perform dynamic riveting.”
For more on Boeing’s fastening strategy, visit the Fastener History section of GlobalFastenerNews.com:
2011 FIN – Boeing: Lean Manufacturing Key to Fastener Profits
The executive in charge of 635 million fasteners the airplane maker is projected to use in 2012 has toured most of the fastener plants.
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