BETA Sealing System

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The BETA Sealing System project aims to raise UK competitiveness in contributing to the next generation of airframe smart assembly processes and more sustainable manufacturing.In the future, airframe assembly will be increasingly automated, and the novel BETA Sealing System champions this ambition.The ease of assembly of the innovative BETA Sealing System and its innovative bespoke assembly process removes the need for application of sealant between joints (steps and gaps) balancing the conflicting requirements of tight aerodynamic tolerances, against cost-effective, easy-to repair structures. The BETA seal solves and manages the stubborn legacy challenge of marrying aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical fit.Moreover, as a replacement for traditional sealant, the BETA Sealing System will contribute to a ramp-up in aero-structure production rates, which will also be a differentiator with the upturn in aircraft demand and the required delivery at pace of sustainable aviation airframes.The BETA Sealing System addresses the labour-intensive application of current sealant solutions that continue to hinder a ramp-up in production rates, and the associated COSHH (toxic/hazardous substances) for sealant removal undermining carrier in-service operability. Jigsaw and City, University of London will work closely with our main end user and seal manufacturing partner, in the development of novel wing and modular fuselage structures and manufacturing technologies. Jigsaw will focus on delivering a novel, automation-ready, high build-rate seal assembly & removal end effector for the snap-fit seal, while City will experimentally quantify the degradation of aerodynamic performance due to wear in comparison to aging sealant solutions (cracking/swelling/dishing).