The US Army's new ScanBox

Having only just written an article on the US Navy’s new coordinate measuring machines, it’s only right that I now cover a story on the US Army’s new blue light scanner. The Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) is a facility where the ‘aviation readiness for all service and international sales programs’ is ensured, specifically relating to rotary wing aircraft. In broad strokes, this means that CCAD repairs and remanufactures helicopter components. As their motto goes: “We answer the nation’s call, we keep the Army flying.”

CCAD has recently acquired an ATOS ScanBox 8360, manufactured by GOM. Introduced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the large automatic blue light scanner system works with robotic arms and has modular capabilities to accommodate different tasks. It measures millions of points on a single component, which is going to “make us faster and increase efficiencies,” according to Col. Joseph H. Parker, CCAD commander. On the benefits of the ScanBox, CCAD said:

“Automated non-contact 3D scanning is a disruptive technology with numerous possibilities for aviation readiness and modernization wins. The robotic scanning cell incorporates two mechanical arms where each arm is on a linear rail. Both robotic arms support a structured blue light non-contact 3D scanner. The system can capture scan data in three different data capture bays.”

The 3D file of the scan can be inspected to help with damage assessment, particularly to support the repair of damaged components. In addition to this, the accuracy of the scanner then allows the evaluation of the component for any additional discrepancies. CCAD mentions that “Artisans can also make more effective data-driven decisions that may reduce parts repair costs and provide quicker delivery to the customer.”

Once a component has been repaired, it can be scanned again, which improves the process of documenting if repaired components meet aviation requirements. This makes for a more objective method than previous inspection processes used by CCAD.

The scanner was ‘strategically redeployed’ from another base and is expected to save the US Army a significant amount of money. During a demonstration, a shaft extension that was produced saved almost $50,000USD (~£41,000GBP). According to Roderick Benson, Deputy and Chief Operations Officer, if CCAD produced 40 of these parts, the money saved will have paid for the ScanBox in two years. Future goals include decreasing the costs even further.