Case Studies
Terma explains the composite layup process is supported with Virtek laser projection equipment to aid the bonding operator in consistency and quality of ply placement.
Century mentioned it can take several hours for an employee to inspect parts manually, with the Virtek LaserQC, it takes only a minute or two.
Pilatus got rid of manual production steps that were time consuming and eliminated risks of damage.
As United Launch Alliance ULA replaces Atlas and Delta with next-generation launch rockets under the Vulcan name, supplier Ruag Space has been selected to provide lower cost/improved quality out-of-autoclave fabrication of Vulcan’s composite primary structures. Ruag will manufacture 5.4m payload fairings and 400-series interstate adapters for ULA’s Atlas V rocket.
Composites Horizon's Manufacturing Ox-Ox CMC parts: The precision-cut patterns are hand-laid on custom metal molds. Layup is assisted by laser projection systems provided by Virtek.
Rafters & Walls use complex roof and floor trusses with Virtek laser technology.
Kongsberg reported that Virtek has enabled KDA to meet cost and quality challenges. The cost reduction effects are 30% high and quality improvements as high as 25%.
J-Way Truss increased the quality and quantity of their trusses since they've used the lasers by 30% and with less time during setup.
Salem was able to reverse engineer the part and make it while customers toured the shop and have it ready for them by the time they were ready to leave.
Komatsu was able to eliminate the use of templates, manual measuring, marking and fitting steps and was able to error proof the assembly process.
In manufacturing, every step in the production process is an opportunity to save time and money. Precisely projecting a beam of laser light onto surfaces, laser projection technology efficiently guides manufacturing operations, saving money in applications such as assembly, templating and inspection.
McCabe reported Virtek Lasers gives time back to the station that would have been wasted measuring to ensure the quality from one truss to the next.
GE Aviation uses Virtek automated cutter cuts ply shapes for each part’s layup. It is done by hand and opposite the cleanroom is a second glassed-in layup cell, with a laser projection system.
GKN Aerospace uses Laser projection systems sourced from Virtek guide layup by indicating exactly where sheet overlaps will occur, in coordination with registration pins on the jigs and molds.
Taking a manual, complex and lengthy process and making it simple and cost-effective with an ROI in less than 6 months.
Firefly uses the Virtek system (VPS1 laser projection system with IRIS 3D) allows for highly efficient layup and complex geometries layup with fewer errors.
ATK Aerospace Structures explains they use a Virtek laser projection system that is used to verify proper ply placement and check for foreign object damage (FOD).
Trilux chose Virtek LaserQC® to modernize its measurement process, leading to improved speed, quality and customer satisfaction.
Weldall reduced setup times from 6 or 7 hours to 1.5 hours on some parts and achieve 100% accuracy.
XOVR's Layout Handrail System uses Virtek's Laser Projection, and for Assembly Manufacturing of Wall Panels up to 5X faster layout!
Qarbon mentions Boeing 777 spoilers and G650 winglets, spoilers and trailing edges are laid up. Laser projectors from Virtek are mounted overhead throughout all of the bond rooms.
Space Perspective uses FlashAlign™ which eliminates the need for workers to align laser targets manually, so it streamlines the initial setup process and improves overall worker productivity.