Automated FML manufacturing for high production rates

As a new material FML made by aluminum foils and Glasfiber-Prepreg is a real alternative to common materials for fuselages of aircrafts. Since experiences within A380 this material has some really good advantages and becomes status as alternative to Aluminum and composite structures.

Main goal for an industrial application for high production rates of aircrafts is the automation of production processes inside the porcess chain for FML-parts like skins and panels for fuselages. To reach these goals for high production rates first steps of automation inside this process chain have been developed in the last two years. Main steps is the automated lay-up of metallic foils and Glasfiber-Prepreg. Over this there are some more steps within positioning of i.e. stringers and doublers by automatic integration and shorter process chain to reduce process cost significantly.

The results of the first 2 years development work will be shown in this presentation with the scope of much higher level of automation and reduced process steps for industrial application of FML for higher production rate.