Measurement of the future
GKN Aerospace Norway (GAN) sets the standard for precision and quality in an increasingly demanding industry. By combining advanced technology with dedicated expertise, GAN has established itself as a pioneer in precision measurements through the use of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
In a world where quality and tolerance requirements are becoming more complex, GKN Aerospace Norway plays a central role in delivering top-standard components and systems to the aviation and defense industries. To meet the stringent demands of these sectors, it is crucial to have equipment that not only meets these requirements but also exceeds them. This is where CMM technology comes into play.
CMM: The Heart of measurement precision
Coordinate Measuring Machine, better known as CMM, represents a crucial tool in GAN’s pursuit of precision and accuracy. CMM is a sophisticated measuring machine that enables complex dimensional and geometric measurements on components and parts. GAN boasts no less than ten CMM machines of various sizes and types, including both tactile probing methods and optical measurement.
With the aid of CMM, operators can perform manual measurements by guiding the measuring stylus to the desired point, allowing for detailed dimensional and geometric measurements. However, CMM technology does not stop there. GAN has a dedicated team of programmers who develop advanced and intelligent CMM programs to ensure precise and reliable measurements. These programs undergo a thorough verification and validation process to guarantee that every measurement program is 100% accurate.
What is CMM?
A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is a sophisticated industrial machine used to measure the geometric dimensions and shape of physical objects with extreme accuracy. This machine enables detailed measurements and analyses of components, parts, and products, playing a vital role in quality control and manufacturing processes across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and more.
Technological superiority and innovation
GKN Aerospace Norway is at the forefront of technological development. All CMM machines at their facility are state-of-the-art, and the company continually invests in new machines to stay at the cutting edge of measurement technology. Automation of dimensional control plays a critical role in GAN’s strategy, as it is key to meeting the quality, production, and delivery demands of tomorrow.
Each CMM program can vary in duration, from 30 minutes to a full 12 hours per component. This illustrates the extreme level of detail and the vast amount of data generated. Millions of CMM points are produced daily and are then distributed to various applications and platforms. These data support various functions in quality control, engineering, and statistical analysis.
What Does a CMM Machine Do?
The main principle behind a CMM is to accurately determine the coordinates of points on an object in a three-dimensional coordinate system. This is done using tactile probe styli or optical sensors that record the positions of points on the object. The data collected are then processed by specialized software, converting them into measurements, dimensions, and shape characteristics.
Precision in every step
No detail is overlooked in GAN’s pursuit of measurement precision. The company sets strict requirements for temperature control, clean production, and measurement environments to eliminate any form of measurement uncertainty. This ensures that the results obtained reflect the true quality of the components.
CMM operators at GAN work in parallel with multiple machines simultaneously and take responsibility for reporting, documentation, technical support, and other quality aspects. In an industry where precision and accuracy are essential elements for success, CMM technology and the skilled professionals who use it play a critical role.
GKN Aerospace Norway has achieved an impressive position as a leading supplier of high-quality components to the aerospace and defense industries. This has been made possible through a combination of technological innovation, dedicated expertise, and the CMM technology that lies at the heart of their precision. With their continuous investment in state-of-the-art measurement equipment and automation, the future looks bright for GKN Aerospace Norway.
