Automated hypersonic missile production line to better achieve consistent assembly
NewsMarch 30, 2021
MADISON, Ala. Aerobotix, a robotics integrator and metrology company, has begun utilizing a next-generation hypersonic production line. A robotic assembly line scans, sands, paints, and measures complex missile components achieving critical tolerances required for hypersonic flight.
According to the company, this process will allow for consistent application of MINTEQ's FIREX RX-2390 ablative coating to shield the missile structure from the extreme temperatures of hypersonic flight.
Due to the hypersonic nature of the missile, both thermal protection and aerodynamic consistency are mission critical. According to officials, the process starts with an automated Shape Fidelity Scanner which records each component's as-built dimensions.
This data is then used to generate a custom path to scuff sand each component for optimal coating adhesion. Aerobotix explains that an explosion-proof paint robot then applies dozens of layers of MINTEQ's FIREX RX-2390 ablative coating. To make sure the coating is within tolerance, the robot utilizes a non-contact measuring tool to record the wet coating thickness.
