Automated high-resolution 3D inspection methods for sealant applications in aerospace based on line structured light

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Quality Control
• Metrology

Background:

• Glue profile inspection is crucial for aircraft sealing assembly integrity and safety.
• Current inspection systems lack digitization and efficiency, hindering defect detection and correction.
• Existing methods are insufficient for ensuring consistent and accurate sealant application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a 3D inspection technology for automated sealant coating quality assessment.
• To enable high-precision measurement of sealant thickness, width, positional accuracy, and contour.
• To enhance traceability and adherence to stringent aviation industry standards.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 3D inspection system utilizing line-structured light technology.
• Implementation of geometric computation for automated analysis of sealant profiles.
• Comparison of automated measurements against manual inspection for validation.

Main Results:

• The proposed 3D inspection technology enables automated measurement of critical sealant parameters.
• Achieved a measurement error within 0.2 mm compared to manual measurements.
• Demonstrated significant reduction in manual inspection time and rework rates.

Conclusions:

• The 3D line-structured light inspection technology offers a viable solution for high-precision, automated aircraft sealant quality assurance.
• The system provides detailed quality records, facilitating traceability and ensuring compliance with aviation standards.
• This technology improves efficiency and accuracy in the critical aircraft sealing assembly process.