MAG has developed a system to automatically exchange a fresh cut/clamp/restart (CCR) unit whenever needed on fiber placement machines. This is intended to eliminate downtime and allow the machines to maintain full production rates. Developed for Boeing South Carolina, the CCR changing system allows offline servicing of a contaminated end effector to increase the production availability of new or existing machines. MAG estimates the system will yield higher machine utilization and a significant time savings on part production through minimized interruption of part layup. Boeing purchased the option on a new VIPER 6000 Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) System for the North Charleston, SC, facility.
"We expect the interchangeable cut/clamp/restart (CCR) system to be an important factor in helping Boeing fulfill its plans for increasing production rates at the South Carolina facility," said Robert Harper, Director Technical Sales, MAG Composites. "The VIPER 6000s have delivered highly reliable layup for fuselage sections since 2006. The interchangeable CCR module will maximize the machines' efficiency and throughput, particularly when fabricating these large parts."
The CCR changing system automatically exchanges one end effector for a second that processes the same width material, utilizing a docking stand outside the work zone. The offline CCR can then be cleaned or serviced without interruption to production. The interchangeable CCR module is designed for easy maintenance, and can be disassembled in minutes without hand tools. "Unlike head docking, this system leaves all the raw material aboard the machine and changes the end effector only," Harper said. "This makes the exchange fast and simple." The interchangeable CCR module also includes high-speed cut and add-on-the-fly rates as a standard feature.
The VIPER AFP system is a platform for automated layup of complex composite aerostructures. "While the industry struggles to introduce technology that can deliver high-quality layup at required production rates, the VIPER has been supporting, and continues to support, the largest number of aircraft programs worldwide, including commercial, military and space," Harper said.
"The VIPER provides independent control over feed, clamp, cut and re-start for up to 32 individual tows of composite prepreg slit tape, allowing automated on-the-fly adjustment of the fiber band width, controlled placement of fibers around changing contours and precise configuration of openings," said a company spokesperson. "The system allows wrinkle-free, near-net-shape lay-up of enclosed and deeply contoured structures and concave/convex surfaces for precision production of fuselage sections, panels, cowls, ducts and nozzle cones for commercial, military and space vehicles. The VIPER 6000 handles tow widths of 3.2, 6.4 and 12.7 mm (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 in), producing fiber band widths up to 406.4 mm (16 in)."
For more information contact:
MAG IAS, LLC
3940 Olympic Blvd., Ste. 500
Erlanger, KY 41018
859-534-4600
info-us@mag-ias.com
www.mag-ias.com