New architecture for automated production of the world's largest thermoplastic aircraft fuselage demonstrated on a 1:1 scale
Figure 1: The "MFFD" aircraft fuselage segment joined by thermoplastic welding at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Stade
© Fraunhofer IFAM
Figure 2: The "MultiFAL" assembly research platform with inserted thermoplastic fuselage shells of the "MFFD" at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Stade. The yellow hexapod robots for holding and high-precision adjustment of the shape and position of the upper shell are clearly visible.
© Fraunhofer IFAM
Figure 3: Thermoplastic CFRP butt strap as connection of the two CFRP thermoplastic fuselage shells (on the left), joined by the CO2 laser welding end effector (right; project "BUSTI") in the "MultiFAL" assembly research platform.
© Fraunhofer IFAM