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Rapid & Agile 3D Scanner with Micron Accuracy for Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI)

Rapid precision measurement through NDI coupled with “big data,” predictive diagnostics, is one of the most promising avenues to deliver the next generation a foundation for faster, lower cost. What is limiting maintenance organizations from adopting this new paradigm for condition based monitoring has been the sensor technology (precision data acquisition) with its ability to be agile, reliable and portable for practical field use.

The intent of this initiative is to develop a NDI One-Cell solution based on the combination of API’s commercially available 3D laser scanning technology known as RapidScan and the TSMI technology to address two major areas applicable to commercial and military maintenance or sustainment today:

  • To provide an optical, non-contact, inspection work cell with the ability to acquire precision dimensional data of turbine rotor compressor blade profiles using API’s state-of-the-art commercial RapidScan technology.
  • To provide higher precision surface/roughness measurement data using the API’s next generation TSMI technology.

The ability to have an agile, high-speed, precision instrument, capable of measuring precision surface finish, dimensional feature accuracies as a non-contact device will change metrology best practices and procedures in virtually every industry. The ability to expand the TSMI technology from the short-range prototype to medium range (5 meters) and ultimately long range (20 meters) will far exceed the precision data that the commercial industry currently has available. This scanning capability will give maintenance personnel across the world the ability to very quickly determine whether critical components are geometrically and structurally compliant. In addition, this technology provides maintenance personnel an expedient way to inspect for surface corrosion. Inspection time savings achieved by the technology will be a direct cost savings in goods and services to the consumer.

Those interested in participating in this initiative should contact Debbie Lilu,  within 90 days of this project announcement. We encourage participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), including Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).