Airbus - Stringer Manufacture (1982 onwards) (2)


Machine performance was vital and constantly under review with opportunities for upgrade routinely taken during scheduled maintenance periods.

An early upgrade was to replace the first generation "Kongsberg" control units with the newer "Allen Bradley 8600 CNC System."

Trials were also undertaken with a French Swarf Removal System.
Though partially successful, frequent breakdowns rendered it unsuitable to high utilisation and it was subsequently removed.

Securing of components required a large number of clamps and spacers and took a high degree of time and effort.

The Chadderton Team designed and built the Universal Slave Plate to which the Stringers were attached. These were applied to every CNC machine to provide consıstency in securing methods and equipment used.

(Colour Photograph - Top Left)
An operator checks the securing of components to a recently refurbished Max-E Trace machine.

(Colour Photograph - Bottom Left)
Four "Top" A320 Stringers are loaded onto a Chadderton designed universal vacuum plate.

(Colour Photograph - Top Right)
This early 1970's machine (with a Kongsberg Control Unit) fitted with the Swarf Removal System.

(Colour Photograph - Bottom Right)
The substantial strength of the "Bottom" Stringer can be seen. This "Spaded" end would be secured to other high stress bearing components when loaded into the assembly jig at Chester.