Abstract: A system for certifying laser projection beam accuracy includes a certification fixture having a test pattern and a color background. The certification fixture is configured so that any portion of the laser projection beam reflected from the color background is reflected with a color contrasting to that of the laser beam or of the test pattern. Contrast can be further enhanced by making the pattern of a material that absorbs the laser beam color. Failure of the test is indicated by the presence of any of the laser beam light reflecting from the background. Passage of the test is indicated by the laser beam striking only the test pattern. A functional test pattern tests for both laser beam width and positioning accuracy. A method is provided to use a calibration test pattern to test laser beam width and length projection accuracy independently of one another.

Abstract: A fastener grip length selector includes a housing having a first section and a second section, and a gauge fitted with the second section of the housing and including a spindle that reaches into the first section of the housing. The fastener grip length selector enables the precise determination of a grip length of a fastener to be installed in a particular fastener hole while a temporary fastener is installed in that particular fastener hole. The fastener grip length selector is suitable for, but not limited to, applications in the aerospace industry. The fastener grip length selector may be used, for example, during the installation process of an aircraft airframe assembly. Using the method for precisely measuring a thickness of an assembly in clamped-up condition enables the determination of the length of a blind fastener hole with high accuracy while a temporary fastener is installed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for aligning a laser projection device with a subject article. The method comprises the utilization of specially adapted mounts to secure reflective targets to specific geometric features of such a subject article. By mounting the laser target devices to the subject article itself, tooling jigs are not necessary and the targets can be easily positioned at various locations to avoid laser beam obstruction concerns and to ensure accurate alignment.

Abstract: A force balanced irregular pitch reamer is provided that is particularly well suited for precision operations requiring small tolerances. More specifically, a reamer is provided having a shank, a body portion, and a plurality of cutting teeth extending outwardly therefrom. The teeth are spaced at non-uniform intervals around the body portion, wherein each tooth includes a cutting surface and rake face, and defines a rake angle between the rake face and an imaginary line extending from the central or longitudinal axis of the reamer to the cutting surface. In operation, the reamer is rotated about its central axis and is plunged into a formed hole sized slightly smaller than the reamer such that the reamer engages the workpiece and produces a smooth finished hole. Each tooth generates a cutting force with determinable magnitude and direction to define cutting force vectors.