4D Technology, a subsidiary of Onto Innovation, has developed an automated inspection system for aerospace manufacturers.
“We developed the 4Di InSpec AT in conjunction with leading aerospace and aviation engine manufacturers, to dramatically improve the measurement process,” said Erik Novak, general manager of 4D Technology. “By improving measurement accuracy, the system greatly reduces rework and scrap due to rejection of actual good parts. Additionally, it improves inspection throughput by several orders of magnitude, saving critical labour and providing rapid production feedback to improve part quality.”
The 4Di InSpec AT system combines the 4D InSpec surface gauge with a robot to measure edge features, chamfers, round-offs, and surface defects such as pits, scratches, and dents on aerospace parts. These features can also be measured in difficult locations, 4D Technology says. The firm adds that this automated method cuts hours off of manual methods.
Other features include non-contact 3D measurement with micrometre-level resolution, vibration-immune technology, integration with Fanuc CRX robots, the ability to measure internal and external shaft features, and various safety features.
The 4Di InSpec AT automated inspection system will be installed at a leading aerospace engine manufacturer’s engineering facility and transferred to full production in the next quarter, 4D Technology says.