Saab Aerostructures invests for the future
Saab is a world leader when it comes to design and manufacture of composite structures. Tomorrow’s aircraft structures requires increased use of composites as a design material. To further increase the competitiveness within this area, Saab Aerostructures have recently invested in a new automatic tape laying machine.
Image: The new automatic tape laying machine at Saab Aerostructures.
Traditionally, tape laying has been a manual job with the operator placing the carbon fibre layer in its correct order and position on a special tool. The automatic tape laying machine does exactly the same, but completely automatically and even includes the layer cutting procedure which was previously performed on another machine.
“This is a considerable rationalization compared to performing the work manually. We must continuously improve our methods and manufacture components to a lower price and certain areas of our production must be automated in order to remain competitive”, explains Jan Vaara, project manager for the new machine investment.
The machine has been manufactured by M Torres, Pamplona, Spain and is 36m long and 13m wide. The installation required considerable re-building of the existing plant. The machine is capable of producing components which are approximately 30m long, 5m wide and 1m in height.
At the moment, several tests are being performed with the machine and it is anticipated that full production will begin early 2007. Initially, the machine will be used for the manufacture of the Airbus A320 aileron and for the various doors of the Boeing 787 programme.
Back to CNB 4/2006