December 18th, 2008 - Metris (MTRS, Euronext Brussels) releases Laser Radar Driver 5.1 software to set new precision standards for automated, non-contact inspection of holes in large measuring volumes. Depending on hole diameter, Metris allows Laser Radar customers to reach accuracy and repeatability levels up to 30 times higher than before. Laser Radar's innovative laser technology supports both automatic freeform surface measurement and feature detection/inspection without SMR or other targeting tools, inherently achieving higher inspection productivity.

 

Fast and accurate hole feature measurement

 

Stricter quality requirements in aerospace industries increase the pressure on manufacturers and suppliers to further tighten feature tolerances. Correct positioning of features, such as riveting holes, is crucial in aircraft component assembly. With Laser Radar Driver 5.1, Metris optimized the capability of the system to inspect hole feature position and diameter in large-scale applications.

 

Impressive time savings through automation

 

To increase operation flexibility, Laser Radar features manual and automatic modes for the inspection of hole features. In automatic mode, the operator selects the holes to be inspected on CAD, and the Laser Radar automatically moves from one hole to another to measure the holes at high speed. Compared to the traditional laser tracker inspection, which requires an operator to manually position an SMR reflector in each hole, Laser Radar hole inspection routines are entirely automatic. The time savings that are achieved are huge, in particular when measuring large composite parts with hundreds of riveting holes.

 

Higher hole inspection accuracy and repeatability

 

The software algorithm optimization increases the accuracy and speed of hole feature measurement by implementing an optimized data collection strategy, more accurate filtering technology and better feature fitting. Using a 0-45 degree laser incident angle within an 8m (26ft) radius, Laser Radar realizes repeatability of 25μm (0.001'') for holes with a diameter of 3.2mm (0.125''). The new hole inspection algorithm proves its robustness by accurately capturing hole position and diameter up to a distance of 24m (78ft). Customer benchmarks show that the same inspection performance gains can be achieved for sharp and chamfered holes drilled in aluminum, steel and composite material.