PRODUCTION OF C-17 Globemaster III fuselage assemblies at Boeing's plant at Long Beach, California is being enhanced by the use of new machines.
A $5.8 million five-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) Torres Mill, made by Torres of Spain, is used to cut and drill skin panels as large as 12 x 3.66m, with a maximum feed rate of 10m/min.
The machine trims panels, drills holes for subassemblies, and cuts out openings for access panels, hatches, wiring looms and tubing, all with a tolerance of 5 microns. "The Torres Mill will provide five times better accuracy for the assembly operations at Macon [in Georgia] and Long Beach, decrease employee hours and will provide more consistent quality and lower re-work and repair costs," says Bill Gendron, deputy C-17 programme manager.
Two other automated fabrication machines will be installed at Long Beach in early 1998. Boeing estimates savings of $250,000 per aircraft through the use of such machines. It says that integrated product-teams and new technology have reduced the cost per aircraft from an average of more than $300 million for the first 40 aircraft ordered to $173 million for the second batch of 80, ordered in May.
Source: Flight International