Potable optical measurement system

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to combine frontline technology from companies in different industrial sectors to create a new and innovative measurement method for drilled holes. The goal was to manufacture two fully functional prototypes of a portable optical measurement system. The development of the system is well under way but does not yet show sufficient measurement accuracy. A solution for the accuracy must be found before the project can be developed further. Work is in progress to find a solution with the existing optical subsystem as well as with finding a feasible alternative.

Results and expected effects

The project provided increased understanding of the aerospace industy´s requirements on measurement systems in general, and on non-contact measurement systems in particular. The project participants have also gained a better understanding of the benefits and challanges of using optics in measurement applications as well as enhanced knowledge of precision mechanics with very tight tolerances. The increased understanding of market requirements will provide a more accurate development going forward. This increases the probability of a succesful outcome of the project later on.

Approach and implementation

In an attempt to shorten the development time and follow the project schedule, several development activities were performed in parallell or semi-parallell. This development model has the obvious benefit of a potentially shortened lead-time, but at the same time means an increased project risk as problems or delays in one activity might have the consequence that other activities are taken too far before they are paused. The ´speckle´ problem encountered in the project is an example of such, and as a result of that experience, the project will be planned more sequentially going forward.