Numerical control drill jig

• Grant number: 20/13779-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 2021
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Glauber Lopes Mosqueira
• Grantee: Glauber Lopes Mosqueira
• Company: Electroimpact do Brasil Indústria Aeroespacial Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de máquinas e equipamentos para uso industrial específico não especificados anteriormente
• Associated researchers: Allison Fauat Schraier

Abstract

Drill jigs are the most common tools used in the drilling of aircraft structures in areas not accessible by automated equipment. They are robust, of simple operation and low maintenance, but with important drawbacks: relatively high manufacturing costs and long lead times, and no flexibility as each drill jig is fit for a specific and unique area and hole pattern. The overall goal of this project is to develop a prototype that is: reconfigurable by numerical control, to be used in multiple regions; and compact, in order to enter areas currently only accessible to conventional drill jigs. A TRL 7 shall be attained. The evaluation of the maturity level constitutes the uncertainty element and therefore the research and will be based in the hole quality analysis in the form of metrics on shape tolerances, surface roughness and process capability, among others. The expected outcome is to extend to such areas the benefits resulting from the flexibility of an automated and digital tool, including a significant cost reduction in reworking/discarding drill jigs as a result of typical updates in the aircraft part, and a drastic reduction in the cycle time needed to drill a new hole pattern for the first time. (AU)