February 12, 2013 -MAG announces CCR changing system to automatically exchange a fresh cut/clamp/restart (CCR) unit whenever needed on fiber placement machines, eliminating downtime and allowing the machines to maintain full production rates virtually uninterrupted.
Developed for Boeing South Carolina, the CCR changing system allows offline servicing of a contaminated end effector to dramatically increase the production availability of new or existing machines. MAG estimates the system will yield higher machine utilization and a significant time savings on part production through minimized interruption of part layup. Boeing purchased the option on a new VIPER 6000 Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) System for the North Charleston, South Carolina, facility. The CCR changing system automatically exchanges one end effector for a second that processes the same width material, utilizing a docking stand outside the work zone. The offline CCR can then be cleaned or serviced without interruption to production.
The interchangeable CCR module is designed for easy maintenance, and can be disassembled in minutes without hand tools. The VIPER AFP system is the world’s most widely used platform for automated layup of complex composite aerostructures.