Quality Control of Composite Materials in the Aerospace Industry

The ARC ® Body Related Components Department is responsible for overhauling and repairing fan rewinds, engine rectifiers, flight controls, aircraft heads (antenna covers) and other secondary structural composite components. They also offer maintenance, development, material support and logistics solutions for civilian aircraft and almost all common aircraft types.

Adhesive trays made of carbon fiber or fiberglass are used to repair the above components and their shape and contours must be checked regularly. In order to expand the material, the production process is carried out in the autoclave with varying pressure and temperature, and the degree of expansion is determined by regular scans. Using Creaform's HandySCAN 3D scanner, or for large objects, check the actual status with the MaxSHOT 3D photogrammetry system and compare it with the CAD model (target state) (see figure). In terms of software, VXelements data acquisition software is used in data acquisition. In addition to providing reliable measurement data, Creaform systems can also be used in other applications, such as reverse engineering, with the VXmodel "Scan to CAD" software module.

Measurement, data processing and reverse engineering were provided by third-party companies prior to lHT's use of the Creaform system. The quality requirements of the data, the timing of the implementation of the project, and the flexibility of the conditions allow them to decide to purchase hardware and software to expand their in-house technology.

The decisive factor driving them to choose the HandySCAN 3D scanner is the compactness of the device and its convenient data acquisition characteristics. With these key features, they can easily capture complex geometry. In addition, it provides high enough precision in the intended application. Even large objects, MaxSHOT 3D helps ensure high accuracy. Currently, measurement systems are only used in climate conditions (mostly) controlled on-the-market environments.

"Material expansion control could have been done using other commonly used measurement systems, but Creaform's 3D measurement systems were very cost-effective and compact. In addition, their customer service is impeccable. Gunnar Hinrichs, who works in the components division of the LHT body, explains, "We don't have any exact data on ROI, but for us, the purchase has paid off." It is estimated that we may have saved an outsourcing fee in the lower segment. If we had used Creaform earlier, we would have avoided unnecessary costs. "

"We can respond to measurement tasks faster and more flexibly, discuss measurement results directly next to the measurement component, and analyze data with other stakeholders." The compactness and ease of use of the system reinforce our belief that we made the right decision. The measurement process, including pre-treatment and post-processing (assembly, placement of target points, etc.), can be completed in 2 to 3 h. Data is displayed in real time. The layout of the software interface is reasonable, easy to understand, simple and clear. Creaform provides excellent training and staff are always available for advice and support, and that's what we want. Gunnar Hinrichs said.