Reproducing aircraft structural components using laser scanning

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Reproducing aircraft structural components using laser scanning

Chow, J.G.

In the past few years, laser scanning has become a popular digitising tool for rapidly manufacturing commercial products, moulds and dies, and industrial parts. This popularity can be attributed to continual improvement in the accuracy and reliability of this technology. In this study, the re-engineering and re-manufacturing capabilities of laser scanning systems in aircraft structural components manufacturing are evaluated. The study includes surveying state-of-the-art laser scanning systems; scanning, modelling, and machining a sample aircraft structural component; comparing the duplicated model/part with the original model/part; and estimating savings achieved by laser scanning. The significant findings from this study include the following: Laser scanning technologies have matured to a stage at which they capture and reproduce volumetric features, such as pockets, slots, steps, irregular cavities, bosses, etc., typically present in aircraft components. Laser scanning technologies, through both re-engineering and re-manufacturing approaches, can dramatically reduce the part turnround time and skill levels required to replicate aircraft structural components.