Blisk measurement time slashed

MTU Aero Engines is Germany's leading aero engine manufacturer and is one of the largest in the industry. The aim of the project was to reduce costs by introducing efficiency improvements in blisk measurement, with the intention of achieving a 30 per cent reduction in measuring time for the blade profiles and disc shapes. The winning system comprises QUINDOS software by Messtechnik Wetzlar and a Leitz PMM-C 161210P co-ordinate measuring machine with a rotary table. In addition, Messtechnik Wetzlar’s system and application expertise in blisk measurement that proved decisive. The QUINDOS-Leitz system was up against measuring systems from six competitors. According to Wolfgang Meister, quality projects representative at MTU, the system was able to achieve all the project objectives: * A reduction of 65 per cent was achieved in the total measuring time with proven measuring process capability on the sample component. A reduction of 75 per cent was achieved on the measurement of blade profiles; * The system maintains a stable measuring process; * The necessary correlation and measuring gauge capability records were readily accessible; * The solution can be integrated into the MTU Aero Engines data chain through interfaces. Mr Meister continues: "With this solution, MTU Aero Engines can considerably reduce investment and manufacturing costs in the future. A change of system will be introduced in the measuring of blisk components. Procurement of the first measuring system has been started. A joint qualification and series introduction plan has been drawn up."