Falcon Engineering used our ScanTech NimbleTrack 3D scanner services to provide Gulfstream with high-precision data for repairing aircraft's underwing. The use of 3D scanning enabled the OEM to develop an accurate repair plan, manufacture replacement parts remotely, and significantly reduce aircraft downtime.
An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) faced the challenge of performing essential repair and maintenance on the underwing section of a Gulfstream aircraft. To execute the repair efficiently and minimize the aircraft's costly time on the ground, the OEM required highly accurate, metrology-grade 3D data of the affected area. This precise data was crucial for two key objectives:
1. Developing an accurate and effective repair plan.
2. Manufacturing the necessary replacement part(s) off-site with the confidence of a perfect fit upon arrival at the customer's location.
Traditional measurement methods could be time-consuming and potentially lack the comprehensive detail needed for complex geometries, risking delays and increased costs associated with extended aircraft downtime.
To address the OEM's need for speed and precision, our team deployed advanced 3D scanning technology directly to the aircraft's site. Utilizing the ScanTech NimbleTrack 3D scanner, known for its accuracy and portability, we performed a detailed scan of the specific underwing area requiring attention.
The NimbleTrack system allowed us to rapidly capture the complex geometry of the wing section with high fidelity. The raw scan data was then processed into a detailed and accurate STL file format, a standard output readily usable in CAD and manufacturing software.
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By providing the OEM with high-precision STL files generated from the 3D scan, we delivered the critical metrology-grade data they required. This enabled them to:
Develop an Accurate Repair Plan: The detailed 3D model allowed engineers to precisely understand the damage and plan the repair strategy effectively.
Manufacture Parts Remotely: The OEM could confidently manufacture the replacement parts at their facility, knowing they were based on exact measurements of the actual aircraft component.
Minimize Aircraft Downtime: The speed of the 3D scanning process and the ability to manufacture parts off-site significantly reduced the time the aircraft was out of service. In the aviation industry, minimizing downtime is paramount and translates directly into substantial cost savings.
Our 3D scanning solution provided the accuracy needed for a critical repair while significantly reducing costly delays, demonstrating the value of advanced metrology in demanding aerospace maintenance operations.
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