Airbus France

Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle

Hervé Lanvin

Robert Rossato

It is described how to easily manufacture a pipe fitting by machining instead of casting, despite its complex shapes and its small dimensions. A model is created, a machining program is defined, checks are made and the previous results are input into a numerically controlled machine tool.

Method of designing and manufacturing a pipe fitting, particularly for aircraft

The gripping unit comprises a pallet () that supports gripping systems () through orientation systems (). The pallet () also supports at least one control box () capable of activating orientation systems (), and possibly gripping systems () to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (). The control system () takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system () of the machine tool ().

Gripping unit for automated machining of parts, and machining device and process integrating such a unit

Gripping unit for automated machining of parts and device and process integrating such a unit. The gripping unit comprises a pallet () that supports gripping systems () through orientation systems (). The pallet () also supports at least one control box () capable of activating orientation systems (), and possibly gripping systems () to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (). The control system () takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system () of the machine tool ().

For machining a part or a series of parts on a machine tool, it is proposed that said part be successively fixed in at least two different gripping modules (12a to 12e) mounted on a central unit (10) placed on the machining plate of the machine. The rapid assembly and disassembly of the modules with respect to the central unit is ensured by flanging jacks (42a,42c) actuated by a hydraulic control system (14) carried on the central unit. This system (14) also actuates control and locking jacks (34,40,64) ensuring the gripping of the parts on the modules (12a to 12e).

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Bonnay, France

Hervé Lanvin