Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining a part for an assembly. First sensor data is acquired for a surface of a first part from a first sensor system. Second sensor data is acquired for a set of existing holes in a second part from a second sensor system. A surface model of the surface of the first part is generated using the first sensor data. First offset data is computed based on a nominal model of a third part that is nominally positioned relative to the surface model within a three-dimensional virtual environment. Second offset data is computed for the set of existing holes using the second sensor data. Overall offset data is generated using the first and second offset data, wherein the overall offset data is used to drill a set of holes in the third part for use in fastening the third part to the second part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining a part for an assembly. First sensor data is acquired for a surface of a first part from a first sensor system. Second sensor data is acquired for a set of existing holes in a second part from a second sensor system. A surface model of the surface of the first part is generated using the first sensor data. First offset data is computed based on a nominal model of a third part that is nominally positioned relative to the surface model within a three-dimensional virtual environment. Second offset data is computed for the set of existing holes using the second sensor data. Overall offset data is generated using the first and second offset data, wherein the overall offset data is used to drill a set of holes in the third part for use in fastening the third part to the second part.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for creating final openings in a part having initial openings using an alignment system. In one illustrative embodiment, the alignment system comprises a structure having a plurality of openings and a plurality of bushing assemblies. Each of the plurality of bushing assemblies is associated with one of the plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of bushing assemblies comprises a first element, a second element, and a core element located between the first element and the second element. The core element has at least two rotational degrees of freedom and at least two translational degrees of freedom when a bushing assembly is in a free state and zero degrees of freedom when the bushing assembly is in a fixed state.