Aerospace

Aerospace Actuator Assembly Achieves AS9100 Certification

Precision assembly system for flight-critical components with full traceability

100% Traceability
Zero Defect Escapes
AS9100 Certified
15mo ROI Payback
Client Aerospace Tier 1 Supplier
Location Connecticut, USA
Timeline 12 months
Project Scope $3.8M

Project Overview

Aerospace manufacturing demands the highest levels of quality and traceability. When a leading Tier 1 aerospace supplier needed to scale production of flight-critical hydraulic actuators, they faced stringent requirements that made traditional manual assembly impractical.

Every fastener must be torqued to specification and documented. Every component must be verified as correct. And every step must be traceable for the life of the aircraft.

AS9100 Compliance by Design

The assembly system was designed from the ground up to meet AS9100D requirements:

Process Control

  • Electronic work instructions guide operators through each step
  • Torque tools automatically verify and document every fastener
  • Interlocks prevent proceeding until each step is verified complete

Traceability

  • Unique serial numbers scanned at each station
  • All process data linked to individual assemblies
  • Electronic records retained for product lifetime

FOD Prevention

  • Enclosed work cells with controlled access
  • Tool tethering and accountability
  • Automated debris collection and verification

Precision Torque Assembly

The actuator assembly requires 47 fasteners with varying torque specifications. The system uses:

  • DC Electric Tools: Precise, repeatable torque application
  • Automatic Angle Monitoring: Verifies proper fastener seating
  • Real-Time Documentation: Every installation captured and linked to serial number

Any out-of-spec condition immediately stops production and alerts supervision.

Customer Testimonial

"AMD Automation understood our AS9100 requirements and built a system that makes compliance automatic. We passed certification on the first attempt, and our customer audits have been flawless."

Quality Director, Aerospace Tier 1 Supplier

01The Challenge

The client needed to scale production of flight-critical hydraulic actuators while meeting stringent AS9100 requirements and customer-specific quality mandates for traceability and process documentation.

  • 100% traceability required for every component and process step
  • Torque accuracy within ±2% for critical fasteners
  • Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention mandatory
  • Process validation required for every assembly operation
  • Zero defect tolerance for flight-critical components

02Our Solution

AMD Automation designed a precision assembly cell with integrated torque monitoring, vision verification, and comprehensive data collection that meets aerospace quality requirements while improving throughput.

Precision Torque Assembly

DC electric torque tools with real-time monitoring and automatic documentation of every fastener installation.

Vision Verification System

Multi-camera inspection verifies component presence, orientation, and proper seating at each assembly step.

FOD Prevention Design

Enclosed work cells with positive pressure, tool tethering, and automated debris collection prevent contamination.

Digital Thread Integration

Complete electronic work instructions with operator authentication and real-time data capture for AS9100 compliance.

03The Results

The system achieved AS9100 certification on the first audit attempt and has maintained zero defect escapes through its first 18 months of production.

100% First-Time Quality Zero rework or defect escapes
3x Throughput Increase From 8 to 24 units per shift
100% Traceability Every operation documented
Zero FOD Incidents Clean production record

Technical Specifications

Cell Footprint 16' x 12'
Torque Range 0.5 - 50 Nm
Torque Accuracy ±1%
Vision Cameras 6 stations
Data Retention Lifetime
Cycle Time 12 minutes
Cleanroom Class ISO Class 8
Certification AS9100D

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