Inline Material Sensor (IMS)

ABSTRACT: Sheets, or"mats"of EMI protective materials have critical value for many systems of strategic importance for the Department of Defense (DoD). It is of great importance that all such materials that are integrated into fielded systems are fully capable of meeting shielding requirements; however, detecting defects or flaws that compromise performance using current methods is extremely time consuming and expensive. Nokomis proposes to develop an RF-based automated system to detect faulty material during production, allowing for a great deal of savings as well as improvements in reliability of shielding material. Nokomis"Hiawatha RF sensor technology has previously been customized for manufacturing settings, and this will serve as an advanced starting point for development supporting this application. BENEFIT: EMI protection or shielding is of the utmost importance in military and commercial aircraft operations. In order to maintain the integrity of aircraft functions, the materials that provide the necessary shielding need to be validated as meeting specifications. The potential of a robust, automated solution to detect the presence of defective materials during manufacturing processes to deliver cost savings to the Air Force is extensive. Therefore, Nokomis"Inline Material Sensor (IMS) will be crucial in providing a much needed solution. Nokomis"state of the art technology can bring many options to the table that will aid in the detection of defective materials in the manufacturing stage. The proactive solution has the potential to greatly reduce manufacturing cost while improving reliability associated with aircraft operation.