Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a plurality of parts with an electronic measurement device and a processing system. The method includes a step of creating surface geometry maps of the parts utilizing the electronic measurement device, where each part was manufactured utilizing the manufacturing device. Geometric part models of the parts are generated from the surface geometry maps. The part models can subsequently be analyzed to determine whether a manufacturing device that manufactured the plurality of parts manufactures parts that comply with a part design specification.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a plurality of parts with an electronic measurement device and a processing system. The method includes a step of creating surface geometry maps of the parts utilizing the electronic measurement device, where each part was manufactured utilizing the manufacturing device. Geometric part models of the parts are generated from the surface geometry maps. The part models can subsequently be analyzed to determine whether a manufacturing device that manufactured the plurality of parts manufactures parts that comply with a part design specification.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a surface of an object with an optical scanner and a laser vibrometer. The method includes the steps of: (a) mapping at least a portion of the object surface using the optical scanner; (b) projecting a beam of light from the laser vibrometer onto the object surface at a measurement point; (c) locating the measurement point relative to the object surface using the optical scanner; and (d) measuring a position of the object surface using the laser vibrometer to determine, for example, a deflection of the object surface.

Abstract: A method for creating an artifact for use with an optical three-dimensional measuring system includes steps of: (a) providing an artifact that comprises an inspection surface, which artifact is configured to be scanned by a non-contact sensor included in the optical three-dimensional measuring system, which artifact comprises at least one of a substantially spherical body and a turbine engine component, and which inspection surface comprises a surface of one of the substantially spherical body and the turbine engine component; (b) heating the artifact to a predetermined temperature; and (c) coating the inspection surface of the heated artifact with an approximately uniform coating of dry film lubricant.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a plurality of target features arrayed in spaced arrangement on a surface of a target object, such as but not limited to inspection of the location of cooling air holes in the surface of a turbine blade or vane.

Abstract: A powder-derived, non-finished work piece includes a first body section that has a wall that spans in a vertical direction. The wall has a relatively thin thickness with respect to a length and a width of the wall. A second body section is arranged next to, but spaced apart from, the first body section. A gusset connects the first body section and the second body section. The gusset extends obliquely from the wall of the first body section with respect to the vertical direction such that the gusset is self-supporting. The first body section has a geometry that corresponds to an end-use component exclusive of the gusset.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus and method. According to the invention, an additive manufacturing apparatus includes a material supply system. The material supply system delivers layers of partially sintered pulverant material to an additive manufacturing device.

Abstract: A component inspection system comprises a sensor apparatus and a template having a component side and an opposing inspection side. The inspection side includes a plurality of inspection bosses projecting therefrom, each of the plurality of inspection bosses having a first coupling and a sensor aperture. Each aperture is disposed axially through each respective boss to the component side of the template. The sensor apparatus includes a receptacle for retaining a sensor. The receptacle has a second coupling configured to individually engage with each of the plurality of first couplings for removably securing the sensor apparatus to a respective at least one of the plurality of inspection bosses.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a plurality of parts with an electronic measurement device and a processing system. The method includes a step of creating surface geometry maps of the parts utilizing the electronic measurement device, where each part was manufactured utilizing the manufacturing device. Geometric part models of the parts are generated from the surface geometry maps. The part models can subsequently be analyzed to determine whether a manufacturing device that manufactured the plurality of parts manufactures parts that comply with a part design specification.

Abstract: A component inspection system comprises a sensor apparatus and a template having a component side and an opposing inspection side. The inspection side includes a plurality of inspection bosses projecting therefrom, each of the plurality of inspection bosses having a first coupling and a sensor aperture. Each aperture is disposed axially through each respective boss to the component side of the template. The sensor apparatus includes a receptacle for retaining a sensor. The receptacle has a second coupling configured to individually engage with each of the plurality of first couplings for removably securing the sensor apparatus to a respective at least one of the plurality of inspection bosses.

Abstract: A method for machining and inspecting a workpiece includes steps of: supporting the workpiece with a workpiece support; moving a machining tool relative to the workpiece with a tool positioning system, and machining a workpiece feature into the workpiece with the machining tool as a function of reference geometry data; moving a measuring device relative to the workpiece with a measuring device positioning system that is independent of the tool positioning system, and mapping a geometry of the workpiece feature with the measuring tool to provide workpiece geometry data indicative thereof; and processing the workpiece geometry data and the reference geometry data with a processor to compare the geometry of the workpiece feature to a reference geometry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixturing an airfoil stub during linear friction welding are described. Critical clamping support structures are manufactured by a direct digital manufacturing process such as direct metal laser sintering to minimize time and expense of the process.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a surface of an object with an optical scanner and a laser vibrometer. The method includes the steps of: (a) mapping at least a portion of the object surface using the optical scanner; (b) projecting a beam of light from the laser vibrometer onto the object surface at a measurement point; (c) locating the measurement point relative to the object surface using the optical scanner; and (d) measuring a position of the object surface using the laser vibrometer to determine, for example, a deflection of the object surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixturing an airfoil stub during linear friction welding are described. Critical clamping support structures are manufactured by a direct digital manufacturing process such as direct metal laser sintering to minimize time and expense of the process.

Abstract: A method for creating an artifact for use with an optical three-dimensional measuring system includes steps of: (a) providing an artifact that comprises an inspection surface, which artifact is configured to be scanned by a non-contact sensor included in the optical three-dimensional measuring system, which artifact comprises at least one of a substantially spherical body and a turbine engine component, and which inspection surface comprises a surface of one of the substantially spherical body and the turbine engine component; (b) heating the artifact to a predetermined temperature; and (c) coating the inspection surface of the heated artifact with an approximately uniform coating of dry film lubricant.

Abstract: A method for inspecting geometrical shapes of objects to determine selected dimensions thereof based on data characterizing such objects obtained through stereoscopic photographs taken by a pair of cameras with fields of view intersecting to thereby provide a photographic event measurement volume that includes at least a portion of each of such objects being photographed. The method involves using previously specified procedures to check on the cameras performance consistency in photographing from different positions, preparing the object to be inspected including providing reference point targets thereon, scanning that object with the cameras from different camera pair positions, processing the resulting data to represent the scan basis geometrical shape of the object, and orient it to compare with the dimensional specifications therefor.

Abstract: Artifacts, methods of creating such artifacts and methods of using such artifacts are provided. In this regard, an exemplary embodiment of a method for creating an artifact for quantifying measurement accuracy of non-contact sensors included in optical three-dimensional (3-D) measuring systems, comprises: fabricating an artifact using a base material; and coating the artifact with an approximately uniform coating of dry film lubricant.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a plurality of target features arrayed in spaced arrangement on a surface of a target object, such as but not limited to inspection of the location of cooling air holes in the surface of a turbine blade or vane.

Abstract: A method for evaluating three-dimensional (3-D) coordinate system measurement accuracy of an optical 3-D measuring system using targeted artifacts is provided. In this regard, an exemplary embodiment of a method for evaluating 3-D coordinate system measurement accuracy using targeted artifacts comprises: taking a series of measurements from different positions and orientations using target dots on a targeted artifact with an optical 3-D measuring system; and calculating measurement errors using the series of measurements. An exemplary embodiment of a targeted artifact used with the method includes a base and target dots located on the base.

Abstract: A method for measuring dimensions between selected points on a side of interest in objects selected for measurement by an optical measuring system comprising a flatbed scanner and a connected computer system through acquiring a reference image to provide corresponding image distance errors; and also acquiring a measurement object image. Deviation curves are provided as the basis for determining deviation errors in the measurement object image. Corrected measurement object image distances are formed through combining the deviation errors in the measurement object image distances with the corresponding measurement object image. These corrected measurement object image distances are used to determine distances between chosen pairs of those selected locations.