Hole-to-Edge Measurement Tool

ABSTRACT: Modern military aircraft incorporate large numbers of holes located close to part edges to save weight and maximize performance. Accurate measurement of the distance between hole centers and the edge of the part is critical to ensure that structural integrity of the aircraft is maintained. Present measurement methods are extremely time consuming and difficult to apply to large numbers of holes. The goal of this project is development of an automated hole-to-edge measurement tool that is fast, easy to use, and highly accurate. Our approach relies on proven noncontact inspection technology that provides extremely high accuracy when used for making dimensional measurements of aircraft components. BENEFIT: The technology developed on this project will provide a new methodology for high-speed, easy to use measurement of hole-to edge-distances in aircraft assemblies. Use of this technology is expected to help ensure airframe integrity while significantly reducing F-35 production time and cost.