High-Load Titanium Drilling Using an Accurate Robotic Machining System

Abstract

AbstractRobotic drilling systems have been used in the manufacture of large aerospace components for a number of years. Systems have been developed by several systems integrators in order to accurately drill materials from CFRP to Titanium. These systems, however, have been unable to achieve large diameter holes in Titanium due to reduced structural stiffness and end effector capabilities. Typically, large holes are either drilled using large cartesian CNC-controlled machines or drilled using automated drilling units (ADU). However, there is a pull from aerospace OEMS to move away from large monolithic machines, in favour of flexible robotic system. Flexible robotic systems provide a number of benefits for large structure assembly. The following report primarily outlines drilling trials conducted on the Accurate Robotic Machining System, during which holes from 25 mm to 32 mm ID were drilled in titanium implementing an empirical test schedule. Additionally, a discussion on the benefits of drilling large diameter holes using flexible robotic platforms.