Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing workpieces to form parts. Tools associated with a multi-spindle machine may be positioned with respect to a plurality of workpieces on a fixture comprising a plurality of platforms and an adjustment system. Each platform may be individually moveable with respect to others in the plurality of platforms about a number of axes. The plurality of platforms may be configured to hold the plurality of workpieces in which each platform may be configured to hold a workpiece in the plurality of workpieces during operations performed by the multi-spindle machine. The adjustment system may be configured to move each of the plurality of platforms about the number of axes independently from the others in the plurality of platforms. The operations may be performed on the plurality of workpieces using the multi-spindle machine and the fixture to form a plurality of parts.

Abstract: A unitized assembly may comprise a fiber metal laminate and at least one additive layer. The fiber metal laminate may have non-metallic plies bonded to metallic plies and may include an innermost metallic ply. The at least one additive layer may be deposited onto the innermost metallic ply by friction stir welding.

Abstract: A unitized assembly comprises a fiber metal laminate having at least one additive layer deposited thereonto such as by friction stir welding. The fiber metal laminate comprises metallic and non-metallic plies and having an innermost metallic ply. The innermost metallic ply and the additive layer are each sized and configured to facilitate the generation of thermal energy sufficient to deposit the first additive layer to the innermost metallic ply during the friction stir welding process. The additive layer is sized and configured to minimize thermal loads in the innermost metallic ply during deposition thereof. The unitized assembly may be formed using a stock member such as a metallic plate from which the innermost metallic ply may be machined. The metallic and non-metallic plies may be laid up over the innermost metallic ply. The substructure elements may be machined from the metallic plate.

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a housing having a first end, a second end, and a number of dimensions. Also, the apparatus may comprise a inner cylinder extending through the housing from the first end to the second end in which the inner cylinder is configured to receive a tool at the first end and is configured to a engage a tool holder at the second end in which the number of dimensions of the housing is configured to reduce vibrations during a machining operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for non-destructive testing of an object using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, wherein the device is provided with a reconfigurable nest for placement of objects of various shapes and sizes on the device. The reconfigurable nest includes a plurality of transducers that are held in place using a rheological fluid. As each transducer is arranged, for example, using a robotic tool, an electric or magnetic field is applied to the rheological fluid in contact with said transducer, thereby holding the transducer in place. This device and method thus provide a nest for a resonant inspection device that may be reconfigured in much less time and with much less effort when compared to existing solutions.

Abstract: Machined structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a web portion that extends in a first direction that includes a non-planar portion, and a first flange portion coupled to the web portion that extends in the first direction. A second flange portion is coupled to the web portion that also extends in the first direction. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are spaced apart in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The web portion and the first and second flange portions are integrally formed as a unitary, monoblock component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for non-destructive testing of an object using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, wherein the device is provided with a reconfigurable nest for placement of objects of various shapes and sizes on the device. The reconfigurable nest includes a plurality of transducers that are held in place using a rheological fluid. As each transducer is arranged, for example, using a robotic tool, an electric or magnetic field is applied to the rheological fluid in contact with said transducer, thereby holding the transducer in place. This device and method thus provide a nest for a resonant inspection device that may be reconfigured in much less time and with much less effort when compared to existing solutions.

Abstract: A unitized assembly comprises a fiber metal laminate having at least one additive layer deposited thereonto such as by friction stir welding. The fiber metal laminate comprises metallic and non-metallic plies and having an innermost metallic ply. The innermost metallic ply and the additive layer are each sized and configured to facilitate the generation of thermal energy sufficient to deposit the first additive layer to the innermost metallic ply during the friction stir welding process. The additive layer is sized and configured to minimize thermal loads in the innermost metallic ply during deposition thereof. The unitized assembly may be formed using a stock member such as a metallic plate from which the innermost metallic ply may be machined. The metallic and non-metallic plies may be laid up over the innermost metallic ply. The substructure elements may be machined from the metallic plate.

Abstract: Machined structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a web portion that extends in a first direction that includes a non-planar portion, and a first flange portion coupled to the web portion that extends in the first direction. A second flange portion is coupled to the web portion that also extends in the first direction. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are spaced apart in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The web portion and the first and second flange portions are integrally formed as a unitary, monoblock component.

Abstract: Utility brackets for attaching system components (e.g. wires or wire bundles) to structures are provided. The utility bracket includes a first portion that supports a product and a second portion for adhering to a support structure. The second portion includes a separation component that separates the second portion from the support structure by a predefined amount. The separation component includes a plurality of ridges or dimples for allowing even application of an adhesive. A nut plate or wire ties secure the product to the first portion. The second portion can include a base plate that is rotatably coupled to the first portion. The bracket can be formed by a molding or extruding process.

Abstract: A method of holding a billet of material (70) to a machining table (106) includes determining a first set of outer dimensions of a component (72) to be machined. The billet of material (70) is selected in response to the first set of outer dimensions to have a second set of outer dimensions. Dimensions of the second set of outer dimensions are approximately equal to or greater than corresponding dimensions of the first set of outer dimensions. Multiple tabs (76) are attached to the billet of material (70). The tabs (76) are rigidly fixed to the machining table (106). A machining system (50) includes a controller (52) that determines a first set of outer dimensions of a component (72) to be machined. A tab-forming mechanism (54) generates multiple tabs (76) that are configured to be rigidly fixed to a machining table (106).