Semi-automated shimming in the aviation industry

Guaranteed functionality for structural elements bonding like fuselage or tail unit

As an expert for dosing technology ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik focuses primarily on challenging dosing applications in various industries. Due to complex requirements of materials used in aerospace industry, applications in this sector are in general extremely demanding. Different viscosities, thixotropic properties and a high share of solids require a very gentle handling of the applied materials. Elaborate manufacturing practices, strictly defined process specifications and time consuming qualifications are the consequences for aircraft manufacturers in practice.

The high demand of growth markets for aircrafts as well as the huge order backlog of the largest aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing require a significant rise of production rates. Hence the focus is on optimizing the whole supply chain. The incerased use of automated solutions is inevitable.

Using its extensive experience in the field of (semi-)automated dosing solutions ViscoTec joins the shift of manufacturing practices actively and already positioned different products successfully in the market. The semi-automatic ViscoTec Shimming system is one good example, which was multiplied several times in Europe.

It´s a mobile system for reliable mixing and dosing of a 2K-epoxy resin of Henkel-Loctite in situ. The scheme consists of two 30 liter hobbock emptying systems, which feed the 2K-dispenser with the high viscous resin (component A) and the amine hardener (component B) and mix it afterwards with a mixing ratio of 100:39.2 statically. The subsequent dosing is performed volumetrically on the structural element and inserted directly into the fuselage or the tail unit. The bonding takes place immediately. The mounting of the dosing equipment on a mobile construction and the operation of the dosing triggered by a foot switch guarantee high flexibility and repetitive dosing results for the worker at any time of the process.

This process approach avoids laborious premixing of the shim for the Europe based aeronautic customer. The mixing is just in time, which allows the maximum process time of the material, particularly for short pot life. The dispensing is extremely precise and repetitive. The stress to the material is reduced to a minimum.

To put it in a nutshell, the material removal out of bulks or large containers as well as minimum rejects do not just result in a substantial increase of delivery performance, but also in a noticeable reduction of costs for the aircraft manufacturer.

Source: ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik GmbH