Test & measurement
Non-contact laser measurement in action
Third Dimension’s GapGun leads the way in non- contact laser measurement systems for the automotive, aerospace and energy sectors worldwide. In this article, the company describes working with the likes of Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Bombardier and Leonardo Helicopters
T
hird Dimension is a world-leading developer and manufacturer of precision feature measurement
systems, offering both ergonomic handheld and reliable robot mounted laser measurement equipment. Third Dimension has a long track record of supplying metrology apparatus to the largest names in aerospace, automotive and energy sectors worldwide such as Rolls Royce, Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Bombardier. Third Dimension’s best-selling GapGun
(hand-held) and Vectro (robot-mounted) systems are always designed with user simplicity and convenience in mind, and offer improved accuracy, traceability and speed over traditional contact-based gauges. Their por tability and WiFi connectivity enable them to be used on the factory floor, rather than par ts having to be taken to a CMM. A presentation on seam validation
measurement at last year’s Coordinate Metrology Society Conference (CMSC) in Nevada, USA showcased how Lockheed Mar tin incorporates GapGun into its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter quality inspection process. Lockheed Martin explained how seam validation
- the process of measuring the gap and mismatch between body panels - has become a networked process meaning seam types can be measured at a faster rate, repeatedly delivering significant improvements in time saving and reducing the risk of human error. Quick and easy to use, GapGun takes
measurements throughout Lockheed’s production line, so problems can be headed off before they arise, thereby speeding up and streamlining the production process. Using LINK SDK – Lockheed’s customised seam
validation management system (SVMS) - check plans can be sent straight to GapGun via the network rather than manually downloaded. The results are then passed straight back to SVMS.
BeyonD InITIAL proDucTIon GapGun is not only used during initial production. Initial trials by Leonardo
50
Helicopters of the GapGun measurement system demonstrated Maintenance, Repair, Overall (MRO) inspection times for interior and exterior composite panels were reduced by almost 90 per cent. GapGun enables a quick, accurate and
detailed profile measurement to be taken of the depth of scratches on helicopter panels and aircraft gearbox components. This enables operators to establish whether the depth of the scratches are within the 0.15mm limit, and therefore determine whether the par ts need to be repaired or replaced. Keith Master ton, the then Leonardo/
AgustaWestland’s Merlin Depth business manager, said: “We recently did a check on a panel and, whereas the previous manual process using a depth gauge took two- and-a-half hours, the GapGun measures it in just 20 minutes.” Third Dimension was also chosen by
EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, to deliver fully integrated feature measurement systems into European Airbus facilities. The agreement included support and management as well as plans to upgrade existing systems within Airbus to the latest technology. Having worked closely with Airbus since
2002 and based next to Airbus’ Filton facility in Bristol, Third Dimension has developed a key par tnership with Airbus which secured the A350 XWB contract to supply GapGun measurement systems for the aircraft build process throughout Europe. Dennis De Roos, chief sales and marketing
officer at Third Dimension, commented: “We have enjoyed an increasingly close relationship with Airbus over many years. With the latest agreement we look forward to continuing our par tnership with EADS as a whole and to providing innovative solutions to inspection challenges that can add real value to EADS projects throughout Europe.”
BeyonD AerospAce Beyond aerospace, GapGun has proved itself so valuable to quality inspection at Bombardier that
February 2019 Instrumentation Monthly
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