The CAWDE (Composite Automated Wing Drilling Equipment) is a custom 5-axis machine tool is constructed to enable
fully automated drilling and slave-bolt insertion. The CAWDE has been used for fastening composite and metallic
wing box components including composite wing covers drilled and bolted to composite spar assemblies and metallic
ribs. In addition, metallic components such as engine pylon reinforcements are drilled by the machine.
The basic configuration of the machine is a traveling column post mill with a 5-axis head. The head provides
gap-closing pressure and shuttles process tools to the tool point during drilling and fastening cycles. The machine
travels the length of the wing assembly jig. The wing box is tooled in the jig with the forward spar and pylons located
near the floor. After completing processing of one surface the machine is transported to the opposite surface of the wing box.
The operator station on the CAWDE is a ride-on platform to reduce operator fatigue. The platform is close to the tool point
to enable good visibility of the machine operation. To minimize the machine envelope during transport, the platform folds up.
A touchscreen HMI provides context-sensitive interaction with the control for the operator, reducing information overload.
Additionally, pertinent CNC information such as tool point position, operator messaging, and part program viewing are displayed
on a second LCD monitor. A third display shows the camera views. Software for the camera system displays all views in split
screen or zooms to magnify the optical resync camera view to full screen for best resolution. Other features at the operator
station include shadow boxes with space for all tooling that is changed out by diameter, and the fastener feed drop tubes.
A hold-to-run pendant may be used to jog the machine and start/stop part programs
The drilling process is supported by through-bit and external flood coolant systems and chip vacuum with coolant recovery.
The machine is equipped with sensors and synchronization tools to help align the machine with varying geometry components.
These include: