Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surface repair and livery printing system and method. The method includes receiving an aircraft part having an altered surface image and selecting a repair process from one of a paint repair process, a decal repair process, or an inkjet repair process, based on characteristics of the altered surface image. The method also includes applying paint to the surface over the altered surface image. In response to selecting the decal repair process, the method includes printing a first image on a decal based on the characteristics of the altered surface image and a second image associated with the altered surface image and a step of applying the decal to the surface at least partially over the altered surface image. In response to selecting the inkjet repair process, the method includes performing the inkjet repair process to at least a portion of the surface based on the characteristics of the altered surface image.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and apparatus for ink jet printing an exterior surface of a vehicle including a reversibly moveable crossbeam mounted above an open pit; a first track located above the reversibly moveable crossbeam, a first reversibly moveable monument including a first serial robotic manipulator including a first end effector defining a first end effector range of motion based on fully extended reversible movement of the first serial robotic manipulator; a second track located in the open pit beneath the reversibly moveable crossbeam; a second reversibly moveable monument coupled to the second pair of rails, the second reversibly moveable monument including a second end effector defining a second end effector range of motion based on fully extended reversible movement of the second serial robotic manipulator. The first end effector range of motion overlaps the second end effector range of motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and apparatus for changing livery on a vehicle. A method of inkjet printing an exterior surface of a vehicle, includes preparing at least a portion of the exterior surface of the vehicle in a first bay using crossflow or downflow air handling and using explosion protected equipment. That method includes inkjet printing at least the portion of the exterior surface of the vehicle in a second bay. This method includes clear-coating at least the portion of the exterior surface of the vehicle in a third bay using downflow or crossflow air handling, using air filtration and using explosion protected equipment.