This paper presents a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for the composite component manufacturing workshop of an aerospace enterprise. The production process management is the core module of the MES. The system shows the production process management has important effect on the workshop production. The function modules of the production process management are introduced in detail. An improved working flow of the production process for optimizing the traditional production process is emphatically described. Barcode technology is applied to collect the production data and quality inspection data. By scanning the barcode, the real time data information can be collected and data statistic analysis can be done rapidly. The integration relationship between the production process management system and other systems is also introduced. Three-layer structure is adopted to design and develop the system. The developed system has been applied in the composite component manufacturing workshop. The results show that working efficiency of production process management has been improved.

Machining-induced distortion of large monolithic parts with thin walled structures creates problems in aircraft manufacturing industry. Typical monolithic beams of airframe are machined by NC machine and machining distortions are recorded. Thin walled structures are prone to distortions and dimensional instabilities due to internal stresses; therefore, stress-relieved vibration method is applied to reduce the internal stresses in blank material and results in better machining performance and dimension stability. But vibration stress-relief method doesn’t work always due to unknown reasons. Machining simulations in ANSYS are performed to predict the residual stress-induced machining distortion and simulation result is compared with the machining measurements to validate the simulation process. Cutting simulations have been executed by the element deactivation technique after developing the initial residual stresses via sequential coupled field analysis. The possibility of residual stress being relieved more reasonably and less distortion by optimized machining sequence through simulation is discussed.

A digital flexible assembly system is developed which is used to assemble one fuselage large component of a large aircraft. The laser tracking metrology system is the important part of the flexible assembly system. The metrology system is composed of three modules: laser tracking measurement module, data processing module, and real-time motion simulation module. The laser tracking measurement module is mainly completing the measurement functions of the laser tracker. Data processing module is the core module of the metrology system, and is responsible for all data computation and transmission in assembling and positioning the aircraft component. The real-time motion simulation module provides the three-dimensional scene simulation of the assembly to the users and gives the users a more intuitive understanding of the assembly process. This paper introduces the system structure and working principle of the developed metrology system which based on the laser tracker. The application of the metrology system and the flexible assembly system can greatly improve the assembly accuracy.

MBD (Model Based Definition) technology is a digital method of product definition which combines all information required for manufacturing into the 3D design model including annotation, processing description, attributes and management information. This advancement is a not only a change in media used in the design, manufacturing, inspection and management cycles of the product but also a disruptive reform in engineering-thinking. MBD technology defines a product completely without traditional engineering drawing which is challenging the engineering graphics education. Though MBD technology has not been fully tested or fully developed in all field, change and revolution in relative engineering education must be taken into consideration simultaneously. By comparing the traditional 2D and 3D representation methods with the MBD technology including geometric and non-geometric information of product, some suggestions are presented in contemporary engineering graphics education.