Creaform’s 3D laser scanner meets Boeing requirements

23/07/2019

Creaform, a worldwide leader in portable 3D measurement solutions and NDT solutions, has announced that its HandySCAN 3D™ metrology-grade 3D laser scanner can now be used for recording physical attributes of aircraft dents and blends on all models of Boeing commercial aeroplanes.

Boeing has released a service letter with guidance on the use of 3D scanners for measuring dents and blends on aeroplanes. The SmartDENT 3D™ solution and the flagship HandySCAN 3D scanner were used in the process of guiding Boeing’s quality requirements for the service letter.

“Creaform is proud to see leaders such as Boeing turn to 3D scanning solutions for surface defect inspection. With SmartDENT 3D, our goal is to provide the most accurate damage assessment to our customers so they can make informed and safe decisions while getting their aircraft back flying with minimal downtime,” said Jérôme Beaumont, Global NDT Business Manager at Creaform.

The benefits of SmartDENT 3D include a speed 80 times faster than the pit gauge technique. It is a fast and reliable aircraft surface damage inspection tool and the scanner is accurate to 0.025 mm (0.0009") and has a resolution of up to 0.1 mm (0.0039"), with high repeatability and a traceable certificate.

With its intuitive design and real-time software visualisation, Creaform’s NDT solutions ensure short learning curves and minimal influence of operator experience on the accuracy of results.

Weighing less than a kilo, the hand-held scanner is a perfect tool for work in hangars or directly outdoors. Users can easily perform 3D surface inspection of any part of an aircraft on which they would use manual techniques, including on and under wings.

In addition to complying with Boeing’s service letter, Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanners are listed in the Airbus Technical Equipment Manual, which is referenced in its Structure Repair Manual.