Military Aircraft Parts Re-Engineered Using 3D Laser Scanning, Structured Light Scanning and GD&T Best Practices

3D Engineering Solutions was recently hired to re-engineer military aircraft components, including parts for large helicopters and jets.

To accomplish this task, we employed 3D laser scanning, structured light scanning and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) best practices to ensure the best quality CAD models. 3D Engineering digitized each component, determined the materials, finishes and coatings, and then created the new CAD models and prints to be used by government suppliers in recreating each piece.  3D laser scanning was employed to digitize the larger parts while structured light scanning was used to capture the smaller, detailed components.

The difficulty in these types of projects comes in discovering the original design intent of the component.  We do this by studying how the parts interact with the overall system and applying proper dimensioning and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) that is appropriate for the design intent and to reduce the end cost of the components.  In all, over 200 prints were created for the helicopter and projects, which were completed after comparing the laser scans with models made from the scans numerous times to ensure the highest level of quality.

We are completing the prints of these wear item components at a time when Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) pertaining to military aircraft is on the rise.  Wear items components are items that need to be replaced on a frequent basis.  For various reasons, suppliers to the government are no longer able to provide key components to certain systems.  When the prints for these components aren’t available, 3D Engineering Solutions is there to help with all of your 3D scanning needs.

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