New architecture for automated production of the world's largest thermoplastic aircraft fuselage demonstrated on a 1:1 scale
![The "MFFD" aircraft fuselage segment joined by thermoplastic welding at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Stade.](/en/Press_Releases/Downloads/jcr:content/contentPar/sectioncomponent_1714272967/sectionParsys/textwithinlinedimage/imageComponent1/image.img.jpg/1714741297634/Abb-1-MFFD-Flugzeug-Rumpfsegment.jpg)
![Figure 2: The "MultiFAL" assembly research platform with inserted thermoplastic fuselage shells of the "MFFD" at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Stade. The yellow hexapod robots for holding and high-precision adjustment of the shape and position of the upper shell are clearly visible.](/en/Press_Releases/Downloads/jcr:content/contentPar/sectioncomponent_1714272967/sectionParsys/textwithinlinedimage/imageComponent2/image.img.jpg/1714741297634/Abb-2-MultiFAL-Montage-Forschungsplattform.jpg)
![Figure 3: Thermoplastic CFRP butt strap as connection of the two CFRP thermoplastic fuselage shells (on the left), joined by the CO2 laser welding end effector (right; project "BUSTI") in the "MultiFAL" assembly research platform.](/en/Press_Releases/Downloads/jcr:content/contentPar/sectioncomponent_1714272967/sectionParsys/textwithinlinedimage/imageComponent3/image.img.jpg/1714741297634/Abb-3-CFK-Butt-Strap.jpg)
Figure 1: The "MFFD" aircraft fuselage segment joined by thermoplastic welding at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Stade
© Fraunhofer IFAM
Figure 2: The "MultiFAL" assembly research platform with inserted thermoplastic fuselage shells of the "MFFD" at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Stade. The yellow hexapod robots for holding and high-precision adjustment of the shape and position of the upper shell are clearly visible.
© Fraunhofer IFAM
Figure 3: Thermoplastic CFRP butt strap as connection of the two CFRP thermoplastic fuselage shells (on the left), joined by the CO2 laser welding end effector (right; project "BUSTI") in the "MultiFAL" assembly research platform.
© Fraunhofer IFAM