Boeing’s New PAL Ready for Move into Renton
Boeing expects its new panel assembly line (PAL) to significantly cut final assembly times of the 737.
Boeing's new panel assembly line (PAL) promises to cut flow times by 33 percent. (Photo: Boeing)
Boeing's new panel assembly line (PAL) promises to cut flow times by 33 percent. (Photo: Boeing)

The production system that promises to support a reduction in final assembly times for the Boeing 737 from 10 to nine days this year should become still more efficient with the introduction of a new automated panel assembly line (PAL) by early 2015. Built by Mukilteo, Washington-based Electroimpact, the PAL fastens stringers to wing skin panels at twice the rate Boeing now can manage using the current process at the 737 plant in Renton, Washington. Electroimpact designed the panel with an array of lasers that “see” the surface without touching it, allowing it to follow the panel curvature or contour. The process improves accuracy, consistency and “repeatability,” according to Boeing.