Automation for the aviation industry: component manufacturer switches to digital measurement

A Chinese manufacturer of components for the aviation industry wanted to switch its quality management from manual metrology to an automated solution in 2023. Until then, data was recorded and transferred manually: operators had to measure many points on the complex part, note them down on paper and then transfer them manually to a digital system. This not only slowed down the process, but also represented a significant source of error. However, due to new regulations from the aviation industry, all results from a measuring device must be fully traceable. The company turned to metrology specialist Mahr, as Mahr had already been working for the Chinese component manufacturer for some time and was known for its reliable and efficient measuring tools and service.

Traceability of all measurement data
Mahr implemented a system consisting of integrated wireless technology, MarCal calipers, Micromar micrometers, MarCator indicators, the Multimar 844T, the Digimar 817 CLT and MarCom software. This now allows the component manufacturer to track all measurement information to validate the data at any point in the process via the integrated wireless technology. Now the data is not only measured automatically, eliminating human error, but also processed securely via the wireless interface, speeding up the process many times over. This means that if a problem occurs with the data, the measurement data can be used to trace back which measuring device made a mistake or which data it measured during the problem period. This is an important means of maintaining control. The new measurement method has therefore significantly increased the reliability of the processes.

More manpower and flexibility
Thanks to the sophisticated traceable wireless solution, the measurement data could be integrated in real time and at the highest safety level, resulting in an accurate, fast and safe process. According to the Chinese user, the complete system designed by Mahr works reliably and efficiently. Regular staff training ensures that it is used optimally. The results are convincing: with the wireless solution, the component manufacturer has switched to quality digitization, which has significantly increased the speed and reliability of the processes. The same amount of measurements can be completed by half of the employees; the second half of the employees are available to the company for other tasks, giving the company more manpower and flexibility. The component manufacturer was also impressed by Mahr's great commitment to the project and the high level of service. In addition, the metrology specialists have organized a 24-hour customer service on site for the supplier and are also happy to work with local dealers.

Multimar 844 T for precise measurement of large gearbox housings
Part of the solution developed by Mahr is the 844 T for large gearbox housings. The universal probe can be individually adapted to any measuring task using interchangeable measuring arms, probe inserts and stop elements. The movable arm carrier is mounted in a high-precision, low-play and low-friction ball bearing guide. This ensures high sensitivity, accuracy and ease of movement. Tilt-proof support elements enable repeatable measurements, and the built-in measuring force device allows measurements with a constant measuring force. The load direction can be changed for external and internal measurements.

Digimar 817 CLT: Highly accurate, intuitive and traceable measurements

Touch operation, ergonomic handling and a wide range of evaluation options: The Digimar 817 CLT can be operated intuitively using large, clearly arranged buttons. This means that measurements, setting and calculation functions can always be carried out safely at the aerospace supplier and measurement programs can be created using drag & drop. Thanks to the MarConnect duplex interface, data can be sent wirelessly or by cable via the tried-and-tested interface. This enables the transmission of a measuring equipment ID to ensure the traceability of measurement results. When it comes to measurement logs, the component manufacturer can choose between complete measurement logs in PDF format, sending individual measured values to the PC, the Star Micronics SM-L200 Bluetooth® printer, or saving them as a TXT file.

MarConnect interface integrated
The special MarCom software for the Digimar 817 CLT is compatible with all electronic measuring devices from Mahr that use the flexible MarConnect interface concept. This includes connections such as Integrated Wireless, USB, Opto RS 232 or Digimatic as well as external radio modules. The Mahr experts have succeeded in integrating the MarConnect interface into the component manufacturer's existing software to ensure smooth operation. Thanks to an open software approach, the source code can be viewed, modified and used in the company's own systems.