- 16 July 2008 -
Machine automated production of aircraft stiffener

ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS (ATK) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, has developed a patented automated stiffener forming machine (ASFM) designed for the manufacture of composite stiffeners for aircraft.

The technology is said to provide lower cost, higher quality stiffeners with superior compaction and repeatability compared to those produced using hand lay-up.

ATK’s ASFM technology features both a linear and a radial option enabling the fabrication of stringers and frames, which make up the skeleton of a commercial aircraft fuselage shell, at production rates of nearly 10 times that of the traditional lay-up process.

ATK is also increasing its fibre placement capability to meet the expanding composite aerostructures market for both commercial and military applications.

ATK; www.atk.com

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