The use of the TI2 manufacturing system on a double-curvature aerospace panel

Abstract The aircraft manufacturing industry is continually seeking new techniques for the automation of manufacturing and assembly tasks. The application of automation is limited by the size and compliance of the structures, the low manufacturing volumes and the inherent dimensional variability between assemblies. In addition, a further requirement is to reduce the reliance on complex fixturing systems through the adoption of techniques enabling a ‘jigless assembly’ philosophy. The University of Nottingham recently completed a study as part of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)-funded Jigless Aerospace Manufacturing (JAM) Project into the use of the TI2 system to meet the objectives outlined above. The paper presents the practical work completed and the results obtained from the machining of a double curvature aircraft panel.