Technology update

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July 2008

Boeing develops portable positioning system for 787 drilling

Aircraft manufacturers have always desired more flexible automated drilling solutions due to constantly changing requirements as technology advances, production rates fluctuate, and new products are introduced. This desire has become more evident in recent years as manufacturers embrace lean manufacturing techniques to streamline their processes. Traditional hole-drilling systems—i.e., drill templates and large machine tools—do not meet the desired flexibility requirements of this new lean manufacturing environment, and they are expensive.
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June 2008

High-volume producer of machining centers highlights horizontals

The new EC-630PP (PP for pallet pool) horizontal machining center from Haas Automation Inc. was one of the company's highlighted products at the recent Westec show, where the company's sprawling display was front and center. The company says the machine tool dramatically expands the production capability of its EC series of horizontal machining centers (HMCs).
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May 2008

New rivet injector design used by Electroimpact for Airbus wing work

The SA2 machine is the latest in the Low Voltage Electromagnet Riveter (LVER) family of automated fastening equipment from Electroimpact, and it is being used on the Airbus A320 aircraft.
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