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8tree partners with leading Research Consortium to enhance automated Wind Blade Quality Inspection with waveCHECK®

By Press, waveCHECK

Partnering with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES), 8tree aims to revolutionize wind blade quality inspection through next-level digitalization and automation. 

CONSTANCE, GERMANY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023  

8tree, a global industry leader in 3D surface inspection tools, is proud to announce its collaboration in the “SmartRoMaIn” project led by the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES). This initiative aims to revolutionize wind blade production by introducing a connected measurement system that detects and rectifies construction deviations early in the manufacturing process. 

“Participating in the SmartRoMaIn project aligns seamlessly with 8tree’s commitment to delivering industry-specific 3D inspection solutions. We are thrilled to join forces with IWES and the other project partners, and look forward to contributing our expertise to enhance the production quality and efficiency of wind turbine rotor blades,” commented Erik Klaas, co-founder and CTO of 8tree. 

Despite high safety margins in rotor blade production, critical construction deviations can arise during manufacturing, leading to expensive post-production adjustments. If these deviations go unnoticed, they can result in operational damages to the blades.  

The “SmartRoMaIn” project aims to tackle this challenge head-on by developing a networked measurement system that promptly identifies and corrects these deviations. 

Generously funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) with a grant totaling over 1.75 million euros, the project is set to run until December 2025.  

8tree collaborates in this initiative with partners from special machinery manufacturing, laser application technologies, robotics, and digital solutions sectors. Furthermore, Wind Turbine OEMs Nordex and Vensys have joined as associated partners, underscoring the broad industry collaboration and dedication to enhancing wind blade quality inspection. 

About 8tree
8tree tools, technology and services boost your production quality with precision 3D measurement that is as simple as taking a photo.  
With built-in AR, 8tree’s tools empower operators of every skill-level to achieve accurate, consistent, and actionable inspection results within seconds.   

For more information, visit 8-tree.com. 
For recent news follow 8tree on LinkedIn. 

About Fraunhofer
About Fraunhofer IWES
About SmartRoMain 

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Inspection of Wind Turbine Rotor Blade with waveCHECK

8tree Contracts DNV to Certify waveCHECK™

By Insights, Newsroom, Press, waveCHECK

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).

This press release was published on PRWeb.

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 swaveCHECK in use in wind turbine rotor blade manufacturingeveral 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
  • Works on carbon fiber and glass fiber surfaces

Learn more about waveCHECK by watching this short presentation video.

 

 

Surface Inspection Technologies for Wind Turbine Rotor Blades – White Paper

By Insights, waveCHECK

Quality control of wind turbine rotor blades is complex and requires consideration of various aspects. Different inspection technologies are available. However, not every inspection technology is equally suitable for all aspects of wind blade quality.

This white paper outlines and explores the possibilities and limitations of different inspection methods:

  • Thermography
  • Shearography
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • Expert Inspection
  • Optical Surface Inspection
  • Trends

8tree’s Research & Development Center in Germany is now ISO9001 certified

By dentCHECK, fastCHECK, Newsroom, Press, waveCHECK

“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.

Original Press Release
German Version

LinkedIn Publication

Erik Klaas, CTO, 8tree and Pia Böttcher, VP Operations, 8tree with the ISO9001 certificate.

Erik Klaas, CTO, 8tree and Pia Böttcher, VP Operations, 8tree with the ISO9001 certificate.

Wind Turbine Blade Professional Johannes G. Leib joins 8tree

By Newsroom, Press, waveCHECK

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.

 

German Version of Press Release

8tree enters renewables sector with waveCHECK™, targeting wind turbine blade quality

By Newsroom, Press, waveCHECK

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 enters renewables sector

8tree enters renewables sector with waveCHECK™, targeting wind turbine blade quality

German Version of Press Release