A method and apparatus for machining a part for an assembly. First sensor data is acquired for a surface of a first part from a first sensor system. Second sensor data is acquired for a set of existing holes in a second part from a second sensor system. A surface model of the surface of the first part is generated using the first sensor data. First offset data is computed based on a nominal model of a third part that is nominally positioned relative to the surface model within a three-dimensional virtual environment. Second offset data is computed for the set of existing holes using the second sensor data. Overall offset data is generated using the first and second offset data, wherein the overall offset data is used to drill a set of holes in the third part for use in fastening the third part to the second part.

An acoustic perforation method and assembly for forming holes or perforations into a face sheet of a sandwich panel without damaging a honeycomb core thereof. The method may include photographing or otherwise scanning the face sheet bonded to the honeycomb core after cure, then detecting locations of cell walls of the honeycomb core via image processing or analysis of scan data obtained. For example, discolorations on the face sheet or coatings applied thereto may indicate locations of the cell walls of the honeycomb core. A perforation pattern may then be generated or altered based on the detected locations of the cell walls, and a perforation device may be commanded to perforate the face sheet in accordance with the perforation pattern at locations where the cell walls are not located.

An acoustic perforation method and assembly for forming holes or perforations into a face sheet of a sandwich panel without damaging a honeycomb core thereof. The method may include photographing or otherwise scanning the face sheet bonded to the honeycomb core after cure, then detecting locations of cell walls of the honeycomb core via image processing or analysis of scan data obtained. For example, discolorations on the face sheet or coatings applied thereto may indicate locations of the cell walls of the honeycomb core. A perforation pattern may then be generated or altered based on the detected locations of the cell walls, and a perforation device may be commanded to perforate the face sheet in accordance with the perforation pattern at locations where the cell walls are not located.

A method and apparatus for machining a part for an assembly. First sensor data is acquired for a surface of a first part from a first sensor system. Second sensor data is acquired for a set of existing holes in a second part from a second sensor system. A surface model of the surface of the first part is generated using the first sensor data. First offset data is computed based on a nominal model of a third part that is nominally positioned relative to the surface model within a three-dimensional virtual environment. Second offset data is computed for the set of existing holes using the second sensor data. Overall offset data is generated using the first and second offset data, wherein the overall offset data is used to drill a set of holes in the third part for use in fastening the third part to the second part.