Case study results for CNA Flextool use at Northrop Grumman Corporation, El Segundo, CA.

ApplicationsRouting and drilling
Waterjet cutting
SystemConfigurationDual-masted, five-axis, high pressure abrasive water-jet cutter and high speed router
8′ x 20′ standard tooling table
8′ x 20′ flexible tooling system table
CNA POGO® flexible tooling system
– Integrated controller
– 152 pockets
– 83 POGO actuators
PartsMetal and composite wing skinsFuselage panels
AircraftFA-18E/F
Results– Avoided design and fabrication of 50 fixtures
– Eliminated need to store and handle tooling fixtures
– Reduced tool retrieval and setup timeReduced ship set cycle time
– Simplified and reduced engineering changes to toolingAccuracy of produced parts contributed to shorten fabrication cycle times and reduced inspection time
– JSF prototype testing production processes
– Lowered scrap and rework requirementsAllows for JIT process support