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Client
Project Duration
Challenge
We were commissioned by our customer to manufacture a suite of tools to produce thrust reverser blankets for a new aerospace engine. The tool suite consisted of press tools, assembly / weld fixtures and inspection fixtures for each part.
Solution
Having made a suite of tools for a different engine a few years earlier, which are still in use, our customer requested that we looked for a more efficient way of manufacturing the assembly tools. The assembly tools were previously manufactured from an epoxy GRP layup which had to be made from a master model. Even though this had stood the test of time, it was difficult to modify, expensive and time consuming to manufacture.
After discussing different ideas with our customer, we decided to manufacture the new assembly tools from a Polyurethane tooling board as we knew this material would not only withstand the manufacturing process, but also make the tools easier to modify. By manufacturing the tools this way, there was no longer the need for a costly master model.
Project gallery
Value
The new tools were produced much quicker than the previous GRP tooling and at a cheaper price due to the fact that the master model and the GRP layup process were eliminated. The new tools are much easier and cheaper to modify which benefits our customer as we are currently modifying the tools in a short lead time.