The Lockheed Martin Corp aeronautics unit has historically put out great designs and manufactures for its state-of-the-art aircraft platforms. This includes the F-35 Lightning II.
However, advanced technology in the manufacturing space is essential to developing the much-required performance while paying respect to costs and sustainability.
3D laser scanning services have advanced over the past few years and have improved their position regarding their ability to capture the reality of objects as they are. This phenomenon is what is now called digital twins.
Chris Barrow, a technical chap at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, defines a digital twin as a design fused with augmented reality to accomplish tasks.
3D laser scanning services play a significant role in the digital transformation of aircraft manufacturing. It enables the creation of digital models of aircraft components and structures, which can then be used for a variety of purposes, including design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing.
The Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning Services
One key benefit of 3D laser scanning services in aircraft manufacturing is its ability to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the design process.
At Lockheed Martin, 3D scanning services are used to improve aircraft manufacturing processes’ efficiency and speed. By creating digital models of aircraft components and structures using 3D scanning, the company can save time and resources in the design and development phase.
They achieve this by reducing the need for physical prototypes and allowing for more efficient analysis and optimization.
Another great application of 3D scanning to transform a process is predictive shimming.
Predictive shimming is a technique that involves using 3D scanning to improve the manufacturing process of aircraft components and structures. Shimming is the process of adding small layers or spacers to components to achieve the desired fit and tolerances.
Predictive shimming involves using 3D scanning to create a digital model of a component, analyzing the model to identify areas that require shimming, and then using this information to guide the shimming process.
This technique is relevant in aircraft manufacturing because achieving the required tolerances and fit is critical for the performance and safety of aircraft components and structures.
By using 3D scanning to identify areas that require shimming, manufacturers can ensure that components meet the required specifications and tolerances, which is essential for the proper functioning and reliability of the aircraft.
3D scanning can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the predictive shimming process. By creating a digital model of the component, manufacturers can quickly and easily analyze the model to identify areas that require shimming.
This can save time and resources by eliminating the need for trial-and-error shimming and reducing the need for rework. In addition, 3D scanning can improve the accuracy of the shimming process, resulting in higher-quality components that meet the required tolerances and specifications.