Airliner Fuselage Structure

A major aircraft manufacturer was exploring alternative means and materials for producing fuselage frames. Gallagher was engaged to design and build a large, highly-flexible braiding system capable of producing carbon fiber preforms for a variety of structural parts.

This braiding system can handle a mandrel up to 1,000 pounds in weight. The steel towers on either side of the 144-carrier braider move vertically and horizontally up to 20 feet from the center point of the machine.

We developed a customized user interface and advanced control system that gives the operator significant flexibility to rapidly configure the process for a wide range of mandrel shapes. When operating, the preform passes back and forth through the center of the braider, with the control system maintaining proper speed and angle of braid, while ensuring the part is always on the center line.

For more information about this project, and our capabilities, please contact us today.

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