Automate non-destructive testing in aircraft maintenance
Aircraft maintenance requires regular inspection of the aircraft surfaces. We are speaking about non-destructive testing (NDT). These tasks are time-consuming and potentially dangerous for operators working at height. The Defense Innovation Agency (DIA) and other stakeholders called for projects to “automate non-destructive testing“. The project aims to develop solutions to reduce the duration and improve the quality of such maintenance operations.
8tree’s collaboration with Donecle and Dassault to develop a flying dentCHECK is part of this initiative. The French Ministry of Defense recently announced an article and a video about our drone project with Donecle and 8tree.
The article was published in French. Read below a segment about our project and have a look at the video, where you can see the drone flying around a Rafale aircraft.
DONECLE, in partnership with 8tree and Dassault provides an automatic 3D inspection of aircraft skin, thanks to a 100% automated drone. This technique allows to detect and measure surface defects such as dents, impacts, or perforations. Tested on metallic and composite surfaces, the solution also allows comparisons with the aircraft’s digital mapping and digital monitoring of the evolution of defects.
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waveCHECK – 8tree’s latest innovation for rotor blade inspection in the wind industry gets certified according to DNVs standard for wind turbine rotor blades (DNVGL-ST-0376).
One year after formally introducing waveCHECK into the wind industry, 8tree has engaged DNV for the product’s certification according to established industry standards.
“During the past several years we have learned from stakeholders and experts in the wind industry, that waves and wrinkles in the load-carrying composite structure of wind turbine rotor blades are a critical problem,” said Erik Klaas, 8tree’s CTO. “The accurate and objective evaluation of waves and wrinkles helps blade producers build higher quality blades and reduce the risk of failure during operation. As the industry’s interest in waveCHECK continues to grow, we believe that obtaining DNV certification will be an important milestone on our journey to enabling the renewable energy market.”
“The improvement of quality and reliability of rotor blades is an important topic in the wind industry and we are happy to see that new technologies that support wind turbine blade manufactures are entering the market,” said Ramakrishna Parasarampuram, Head of Section Rotor Blades at DNV. “Certification of 8tree’s waveCHECK will include assessment of the system’s hardware, software as well as the scanning process itself and its boundaries.”
About 8tree
“We make precision 3D measurement as simple as taking a photo.”
With this vision in mind, 8tree makes 3D optical surface inspection tools that solve chronic problems for multiple industries. 8tree’s products empower every operator – from mechanics on the floor, to engineers in the lab – with instantly actionable precise measurements, portability and performance. With its patented user-centric product design, instant ‘go/no-go’ answers and zero-learning curve, 8tree is committed to making precision 3D scanning more broadly accessible – technically and commercially.
For recent news follow 8tree on LinkedIn, LinkedIn.
waveCHECK is a first-of-its-kind solution for end-to-end digital analysis of composite waviness. It empowers manufacturing teams to quantify composite waviness with unprecedented precision and repeatability. waveCHECK detects and displays
Positive, Negative and Step waves & wrinkles
Highest point; shortest distance to edge, in main fiber direction
Aspect ratio
Angle of wave with respect to main fiber direction
“Inspection is a key part of the MRO community’s contribution to aviation safety. Chuck Grieve reviews developments in inspection tools and methods where communication is king.”
Check out this new article in the Arabian Aerospace Magazine (Issue 3, Vol 13, Aug-Oct) on page 44.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) and 8tree today announced a partnership to make available the dentCHECK dent-mapping/reporting service at select Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) regional line stations: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), London Heathrow (LHR) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).
This new service offering will allow Panasonic Avionics customers yet another convenient, accurate and efficient way to protect their commercial aircraft investment, avoiding unnecessary cost and time delays. Further, the service will complement PTS’s existing line of best-in-class products and services, continuing its history of being a premier service solution provider.
Now available — dentCHECK dent-mapping/reporting service at select Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) regional line stations: (LAX), (LHR) and (SYD).
“We are excited to embark on this partnership with Panasonic Avionics, driven by a common goal – to deliver accurate and objective dent-mapping reports that lead to quicker turn-around-times for line maintenance operations worldwide”, said Arun Chhabra, CEO of 8tree. “This will be possible by leveraging Panasonic’s strong global line-support footprint, coupled with the proven track-record of 8tree’s dentCHECK tool in aviation maintenance.”
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of Inflight Entertainment and Communication (IFEC) systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling its customers to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S. corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with operations in 80 global locations, it has delivered over 14,300 IFE systems and 2,200 inflight connectivity solutions to the world’s leading airlines.
About 8tree
“We make precision 3d measurement as simple as taking a photo”
With this vision in mind, 8tree makes 3D optical surface inspection tools that solve chronic problems for multiple industries – including dent-mapping for aviation. 8tree’s products empower every operator – from mechanics on the floor, to engineers in the lab – with actionable precise measurements, portability and performance. With its patented user-centric product design and instant ‘go/no-go’ answers, 8tree is committed to making precision 3D scanning more broadly accessible – technically and commercially.
“Every crisis presents an opportunity. Although the aviation sector – one of 8tree’s core markets – was adversely impacted by the COVID-19, our intention was to emerge stronger coming out of the crisis. The ISO9001 certification sends a clear message to our customers and stakeholders saying ‘8tree is still here – stronger than ever,’” says Erik Klaas, 8tree’s CTO.
8tree performs R&D, product design and manufacturing in Constance, Germany. ISO9001 certification for this site took effect on March 19th 2021.
“Alongside the adoption of 8tree’s products by major OEMs, airlines and MROs like Airbus, Delta, SIAEC and Lufthansa Technik, the independent ISO9001 certification marks another significant milestone for us. The certification emphasizes that 8tree’s products are developed and manufactured under highest quality standards,” says Arun Chhabra, 8tree’s CEO.
8tree is excited to announce the addition of Johannes Georg Leib to its Business Development team. Prior to this new assignment, Johannes spent more than a decade in the wind-blade industry, applying his technical expertise and building his domain depth as Global Technical Program Manager at TPI Composites, as well as Project Manager & Senior Engineer at DNV GL. Learn more.
Following the growing success of its dentCHECK tool within the aerospace and aviation sectors, 8tree is pleased to announce the launch of its newest product – waveCHECK – a 3D inspection tool designed specifically for the needs of inspecting wind-turbine blades during and after production. Learn more.
8tree continues to be recognized for continuous innovations in its design of user-centric technologies that enhance quality and efficiency. The company’s dentCHECK tool – now the standard for damage-mapping within the aviation sector – was awarded the VR-Innovationprize. This was the 20th consecutive year in which the Baden-Württemberg Volksbank & Raiffeisenbanken awarded the prize. Learn more.
Article in Magazine ASIAN AIRLINES and AEROSPACE, Issue December 2019: 8tree introduces new capabilities even as dentCHECK, its dent mapping tool, is approved for use by more customers. See full article in the online magazine https://gbp.com.sg/aaa-magazines/
8tree is delighted to announce the addition of Robert Zehnder to the company’s business development team. Leveraging his career in aviation maintenance, Robert will lead and grow 8tree’s presence in business aviation, building on the early momentum of 8tree’s dentCHECK tool within that sector. In addition, he will be responsible for strengthening 8tree’s global service network. Learn More.
