4D Technology's 4Di InSpec AT automated inspection system
4D Technology has announced the commission and installation of a 4Di InSpec AT automation inspection system at a leading aerospace manufacturer’s engineering facility. The inspection system will enter full production in the next quarter.
Key information:
- 4D Technology announces the commission and installation of a 4Di InSpec AT automation inspection system at a leading aerospace manufacturer's engineering facility.
- The system combines a 4D InSpec surface gauge and collaborative robot for non-contact measurement of edge break, chamfer, and round-off, surface defects.
- Automation technology aims to slash measurement times that used to take minutes or hours, down to just seconds.
The high-precision three-dimensional surface metrology specialist’s system uses the 4D InSpec surface gauge, as well as a collaborative robot for non-contact measurement of edge break, chamfer, and round-off, surface defects (e.g., dents, pits, and scratches) on aerospace parts. The automated system claims to take seconds to complete measurements, a process that would have taken minutes or even hours when using manual methods. This improvement will hopefully lead to an increase in throughput and labour utilisation. Additionally, the system allegedly can conduct measurements in difficult locations, which will further improve inspection quality.
“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 inspection system may be ideal for aerospace manufacturers, due to the complexity and variety of components that are included within aircraft engines and the specifications that the parts must meet. High-quality parts are fundamental in aerospace engineering, as they ensure lifetime optimisation and high-performance levels. However, the manual measurement of these components can be time-consuming and difficult to access, meaning areas must be replicated to measure, which can lead to increased cycle times.
“The 4D InSpec surface gage has been widely adopted for aviation and aerospace manufacturing and MRO (rework/repair),” said Novak. “That leading manufacturers are now automating this technology into inline production underscores its high value to the industry.”
Additional specs of the 4Di InSpec AT inspection system:
- Measures internal and external shaft features.
- Vibration-immune technology enables shop floor measurements.
- The software will flag out-of-spec measurements and automatically remeasure said locations.
- Integration with Fanuc CRX 5iA or CRX10iA/L collaboration robots.
- Optional rotary table.
- Variety of safety features including a fully enclosed cell.