Robot-based inspection of freeform components : process analysis and challenges in using a lateral scanning WLI

First published in
Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering
Number in series
Start Page
21
End Page
28
Citation
32nd International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, FAIM 2023
Contribution to Conference
32nd International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, FAIM 2023  
Publisher DOI
10.1007/978-3-031-38241-3_3
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85171567236
Publisher
Springer Nature Switzerland
ISBN
978-3-031-38240-6
978-3-031-38241-3
978-3-031-38242-0
Vertical scanning white light interferometry is nowadays successfully used for automated inspection of combustion chambers in aircraft engines. Although they provide high-accuracy data, white light interferometers have the disadvantage of being comparatively slow sensors due to their small field of view and vibrational sensitivity. Using a lateral scanning white light interferometer instead of a vertical scanning one offers a reduction in inspection times by scanning larger areas at once. At the same time using the lateral scanning setup creates new challenges for the inspection process. In this paper, considering a fan blade of an aircraft engine as an example, a possible inspection setup is shown for reference and the challenges regarding the inspection process are investigated. Existing solutions for similar problems are analysed for their applicability. The biggest remaining challenge is seen in the path planning for the inspection, since generating a minimal number of viewpoints is critical for efficiently using a lateral scanning white light interferometer.
Subjects
inspection system
path planning
robot guided
DDC Class
620: Engineering