active approach of marrying metrology with manufactur- ing. It is uniquely different than many metrology post- processing programs. Rather than taking data of a part and then analyzing it to determine whether the part is in spec or not—a go/no go decision, “Spatial Analyzer tries to determine if we can make it fit,” explained David O’Neal, a vice president with NRK. It is oſten worth this effort since many aerospace parts have a lot of expense embedded in them by the time they reach final assembly. Any scrap is prohibitively expensive, both in wasted effort and in production delays. Spatial Analyzer’s unique
approach is to collect data in six degrees of freedom (position and direction) on each critical feature of a part and establish a network of tolerance relationships. “A tolerance rela- tionship could be feature-to-nominal, feature-to-feature, or fea- ture-to-edges,” explained O’Neal. How does this reduce scrap? If one particular feature is measured to be out-of-tolerance, the part may still be useful. It may still fit into the assembly of the aircraſt. How? Because by “moving” other features to the edges of their tolerances, an offending feature, such as a bolt hole or mating pin, may be “adjusted” back within tolerance. Te key is the relationship network of the system of features
Spatial Analyzer uses what the Hexagon company NRK calls a Unified Spatial Metrology Network (USMN) to intelligently weigh each point in a bundle, which builds on the bundling technique that creates a quasi-average convergence point for multiple device moves.
since each have quite different strengths along with redundan- cies. As Troy Johnson, senior manager of soſtware with Hexa- gon Metrology explained, the ultimate goal is to have “a box of soſtware tools” encapsulated in middleware. Tis middleware would contain the best of each, eliminate redundancies, and provide the tools to build unique user interfaces aimed at specific target markets. “We will include other acquisitions and packages as well, such as QUINDOS and Reshaper,” he explained, naming their tool for reverse engineering. While soſtware is an important integration technology—
that make up the critical mating surfaces and measuring how well the entire relationship meets tolerance, according to O’Neal. Typical go/no go inspection plans examine each feature in isolation. Such a rigid approach may be scrapping perfectly good parts that may be “wiggled” into mating with no loss of structural integrity. Spatial Analyzer determines if the entire part is still good. Te algorithm developed by NRK’s found- ers to measure this network tolerance is called Unified Spatial Measuring Network (USMN). Spatial Analyzer also includes in its calculations the measurement differences in the 120 portable instruments it supports, such as laser trackers, local GPS, por- table CMMs, theodolites, total stations, or laser scanners.
Integration for Value: More than Software NRK was acquired in early 2013. Hexagon’s units are
continuing to work through the most efficient means of inte- grating and building new value from this technology. Tis is especially true with Spatial Analyzer soſtware and PC-DMIS,
glue, if you will—Hexagon will be focusing on entire solutions that fit specific sectors, including aerospace. “Solutions include consideration of the total user experience,” stressed Norbert Hanke, president of the Hexagon Metrology division. His divi- sion includes a Metrology Services group that specializes in helping customers configure unique solutions from available hardware and soſtware. He also oversees new sensor develop- ments. Undoubtedly, new sensors will be unveiled in the near future, even as the company figures out how to leverage new acquisitions and technology from sister companies. Even while inventing new sensors that provide ever more
torrents of accurate measurement data, in some ways Hexagon has only set the stage for a potential future of shaping that data easily into actionable decisions. Tis may require integrating other types of technology. “It takes time to incorporate new acquisitions, like New River Kinematics,” explained Hanke. “But now you can anticipate future acquisitions as we seek to advance our vision.” ✈
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing 2013 117
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