CREARE LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF112C-117

CREARE LLC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.

Amount
$149,972
Agency
Department of Defense · Air Force
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase I
Topic
AF112C-117
Solicitation
2011.2
NAICS
Place of performance
NH
Period
2011-09-28

Description

ABSTRACT: Inspection of machined composite laminate parts is currently performed using a precision milling machine (PMM) to maneuver a touch probe. When performed on complex parts, this inspection process is extremely time consuming and ties up the PMM for longer time periods than the actual machining. PMM throughput needs to be increased to achieve the F-35 FY2017 program goal of one aircraft per day. The goal of this project is to increase production rates by performing part inspection and verification during milling operations. Our approach will increase production rates, provide automated quality assurance, and enable on-line verification of machine accuracy. BENEFIT: The technology developed on this project will provide a new method for automated, real-time measurement of the key features of these composite laminate parts (e.g., inner mold line surface and edge profiles and holes). Use of this technology is expected to significantly reduce F-35 production time and cost.