Photo: Project manager Brian Stewart, left, and Glynis Pacheco, industrial engineer, review the build plan and sequence of work on a wing panel produced on the panel assembly line in Renton, Wash. “We took all those things, eliminated most of the manual work, and made it more efficient,” Stewart said. “This isn’t about getting rid of any jobs. It’s about how to do this safer and better.” Setting up the new PAL machines requires mechanics to learn more about computer programming, said Larry Fudge, a lead operator in the 737 wing production area. In this early phase, as the PAL machines are being installed, adjusted and tested, he compared the learning curve to “drinking from a fire hose.” Fudge predicted the transition will be easier in the future for employees, as there will be more training opportunities available. Some of the production improvements brought about by advanced technology are on a smaller scale than the large PAL machines. At Boeing’s Fabrication site in Auburn, Wash., for example, a team with the Tube, Duct and Reservoir Center recently used design software and computer-numerical-controlled milling machines and lathes to improve the production of a small but critical 777 part—the tee duct. Mechanic Matthew Murray said the tee duct, which delivers hot air to prevent icing on the airplane’s wing, always has been challenging because of its shape, and that it has to be fashioned out of titanium. It took about 90 minutes to machine the duct under the old process, which also presented safety and ergonomics issues. Now, he said, it takes about 10 minutes to create the tee duct with a computer-controlled machining process that has improved quality by 35 percent and is safer and am y 2015 19
Frontiers May 2015 Issue
To see the actual publication please follow the link above