A presentation on seam validation measurement at this year’s Co-ordinate Metrology Society Conference (CMSC) in Nevada, USA showcased how Lockheed Martin incorporates GapGun – Third Dimension’s best-selling hand-held laser measurement system – into the company’s quality inspection processes deployed on its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

Lockheed Martin explained how seam validation – the process of measuring the gap and mismatch between body panels – has become a networked process whereby seam types can be measured at a faster rate, repeatedly delivering significant improvements in time saving and reducing the risk of human error.

Quick and easy to use, GapGun takes measurements throughout Lockheed’s production line, so problems can be headed off before they arise, thereby accelerating and streamlining the production process.

Using LINK SDK – Lockheed’s customised seam validation management system (SVMS) – check plans can be sent straight to GapGun via the network rather than being manually downloaded. The results are then passed straight back to the SVMS.

Dennis De Roos, chief sales and marketing officer at Third Dimension, says: “We are delighted that Lockheed Martin has chosen GapGun to improve quality control for the F-35 aircraft. GapGun is simple to use and saves manufacturers time and money, while increasing efficiency.”

GapGun is used by manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive and energy industries. The device is sold in 25 countries and has made its developer, UK-based Third Dimension, a two-time winner of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
For further information www.third.com