A380 Stage 1 GRAWDE Machine

The key design features of the GRAWDE are:
• Reduce labor and decrease production time by replacing the multi step manual drilling process with single step CNC drilling process.
• Increase hole quality and significantly decrease rework with automated drilling.
• Maximize machine utilization by providing functionality to move machine into multiple parallel workzones.
• Machine fits into an envelope, which allows manual work access with or without the machine in place.
• Adaptive feedback provides real time countersink depth compensation on faceted surfaces.

When operating the GRAWDE, the operators stand on a moving platform 250 mm below factory floor and 500 mm above the machine beds. From the platform, operators can reach the wing surface, operator controls and quill box for changing tools. The platform has handrails and a gate on two sides, to protect the operator from falling and to protect from shear points between the GRAWDE and assembly jig components. Manual access can also gained by driving the GRAWDE away from the immediate area and standing directly on the machine bed.