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AIRBUS: DIMENSIONAL A350

Software

AIRBUS A350 PLANTS STADE and ILLESCAS

Challenge to be solved

Our task was to carry out an automated dimensional inspection and verification of the GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) characteristics on the left (LH) and right (RH) wing panels, wing ribs, stringer and foot/hole dimensions of the A350 aircraft.

These colossal panels are approximately 32 metres long, 6 metres wide and weigh around 2,300 kg each.

The complexity of the geometry of these wings required extreme precision, and to achieve this, it was necessary to implement a laser tracker + hybrid scanner system and a software solution capable of managing massive point clouds and extracting GD&T information from the 3D master geometry designs and determining the key features required for standards compliance.

The high-volume metrology project required an automated high-volume inspection system with accurate robot offline programming (OLP) and trajectory simulation.

Due to space constraints, the inspection cell had to work with the wing in an upright position, with the additional problem of how to design measuring fixtures capable of rigidly supporting a flexible high-volume structure without deflection.

The anti-symmetrical configuration of the right and left wings meant that the measuring fixture had to be designed for the appropriate wing configuration.

Proposed solution

Our engineering team designed a comprehensive solution to address this aerospace challenge. The solution developed by ARITEX was based on a Dimensional Inspection Cell consisting of three main components:

  • Panel Manipulator: this system held the panels upright and moved them along immovable rails located on the roof of the plant. With 5 columns and manipulators, the panel was secured from the VTT to the actual support points. The system was able to handle both the right and left hands of the wing panel.
  • Panel Positioning Structure: This geometry fixture allowed the precise fixation of the left (LH) and right (RH) hands of the panel, automatically adjusting to the corresponding configuration according to the side of the panel. A suction cup system ensured that the panel was firmly attached to the measuring fixture.
  • Measuring system: Given the magnitude of the job, the system incorporated a laser tracker and measuring carriage that moved to various locations on the panel. The measuring carriage, controlled by a robotic arm, moved the laser tracker to obtain accurate 3D measurements and point clouds in the large inspection volume.

Accompanying this infrastructure, our metrology software, atxMETRICS, analysed the point clouds generated by the laser scanner and laser tracker to obtain precise references and accurate 3D positioning of critical points. This software evaluated all the key features needed to ensure product quality.

Once the key features were assessed, individual part reports were generated and uploaded into the Quality Management System (QMS) for traceability and documentation.

This project highlighted our team’s ability to tackle major technological challenges and underlines our commitment to providing innovative and accurate solutions in the aerospace industry.

Do you have in mind carrying out a similar project?

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