The Boeing Company
Shim manufacturing methods and devices

Abstract:

A method of manufacturing a shim and related systems and equipment. A mechanical tool inserted into a shim space defined between two or more components with the mechanical tool in a first configuration. The mechanical tool is free of measurement electronics. The mechanical tool, while in the shim space, is modified such that the mechanical tool assumes a second configuration to establish a plurality of model points corresponding to a boundary surface of the shim space. The mechanical tool is removed from the shim space while maintaining the mechanical tool in the second configuration. Using a measurement station distinct from the tool, the positions of the model points are electronically measured while the mechanical tool is both disposed outside of the shim space and in the second configuration. Machining instructions are generated based on the measured positions. A shim is fabricated based on the generated machining instructions.