February 2008
In a new preparation and paint facility for wings, constructed by Eisenmann UK for Airbus UK at Broughton, North Wales WALL-MAN platforms were specified to ensure that the operators could get the necessary safe access to all areas of the wing. Five bays, one for preparation and four for painting, were each equipped with four WALL-MAN platforms capable of carrying a man to a working height of over 6 metres and with the operator’s cage capable of moving forward by 1 metre to provide optimum access to all parts of the wing.

The wing of an Airbus airliner is a very large piece of equipment and its paint finish is critical to its performance and life. Before painting, the entire surface of the wing must be prepared and the paint must be applied correctly to provide the specified film thickness to all parts.

WALL-MAN is entirely pneumatically driven and controlled so there is no risk of electrical sparks or oil leakage. At Airbus they were fitted with three separate air supplies, one for the WALL-MAN, one for the operators’ tools and one to supply the operator with clean breathing air. In addition, in the preparation booth a flexible vacuum extraction duct was led to each cage to remove the dust from the abrasive sanding preparation process. All these supplies were run through high level “Energy Chains” to ensure that the hoses were protected and did not get jammed or tangled up.

The installation of the WALL-MAN platforms had to be carefully coordinated with the installation of the booths and other equipment so that the overall programme could be met and the production of aircraft could progress according to schedule.

Airbus have previously installed WALL-MAN platforms on other facilities at Broughton and are looking at possible future applications. In addition, WALL-MAN has been successfully installed at Airbus facilities in Germany and Spain.