Leading Aerospace Service Provider ATT Metrology Services Increases Large Volume Measurement Capabilities with Leica T-Probe and Leica T-Scan

14 March 2006
Original Article Located HERE

The Metrology Division of Leica Geosystems announced today ATT Metrology Solutions, Inc. (Redmond, WA) has acquired their most advanced, portable CMM system, consisting of the LTD840 Leica Laser Tracker and the Leica T-Probe and T-Scan combination. ATT is a leading service provider of high precision measurement and alignment services for the aerospace industry. Leica’s 3D coordinate measurement systems are used by prominent manufacturers and service providers worldwide in the aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding industries.

ATT Metrology Solutions has utilized Leica’s mobile measurement products since 1988. The company will expand its large volume measurement capabilities with wireless probing and rapid non-contact scanning as provided by the Leica T-Probe and T-Scan. Using Leica laser tracking systems, ATT’s highly experienced crews conduct a wide range of measurement tasks at customer sites, including the precision alignment of large machines, building aerospace tools, inspecting aircraft production parts, aligning mirrors and trunnions in an observatory, or setting precision survey monuments or large components in a nuclear reactor.

“The Leica LTD840 Laser Tracker with the Leica T-Probe and T-Scan is truly a state-of-the-art system,” states Steve Ihlenfeldt, president of ATT Metrology Solutions. “The wireless Leica T-Probe will enable us to measure aircraft tool and production parts at a much faster rate. Reducing the number of tracker relocations translates into a significant cost and time savings. An additional benefit is the Leica T-Probe’s ability to measure or inspect points in deep pockets or recesses that could not be accessed in the past.”

With their purchase of the Leica T-Scan, ATT projects that large-volume laser scanning will be a key growth area for their business model. “The Leica T-Scan is a perfect example of a technology that will revolutionize the way parts are designed and inspected,” continues Ihlenfeldt. “The Leica T-Scan, coupled with software working directly the CAD model of a part to be manufactured, will be able to scan all the critical features of a part very rapidly. It will no longer be necessary for the engineer to laboriously detail discrete dimensions and tolerances for every critical feature. This process enables two key aerospace initiatives, which are direct CAD analysis and reduced dimensions and tolerancing.”

Ihlenfeldt concludes on the importance of hardware mobility. “Since Leica’s Laser Trackers are highly mobile, we can inspect a part while it is on the milling machine that is producing the part, or ATT crews can go directly out on the shop floor where it is being assembled and perform a very complex and accurate inspection on site.”

Leica’s LTD840 laser tracker delivers the fastest measurement cycle in the industry for high point density (3,000 points/second) with a probing measurement range up to 15m (49ft). When used with a Leica T-Probe, the tracker’s measurement volume expands up to 30m (98ft) and allows manufacturers to perform wireless probing of very large parts in one setup. The LTD840’s measurement range reaches a full 40m (131ft) when used with a corner cube reflector.

About ATT Metrology Solutions, Inc.
ATT Metrology Solutions, Inc. is a world-class provider of precision measurement services and equipment leasing. Established in 1988, the privately-held company is located in Redmond, Washington. ATT metrologists are highly skilled in the most advanced three-dimensional measurement hardware and software. The company’s wealth of industrial measurement experience continues to grow through its work with major international manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, scientific, marine, construction, communication, antenna and the entertainment industries. For more information, visit their web site at www.attinc.com or call toll-free 1-888-320-7011.


Leica Geosystems Metrology Products
Whether building the fastest car, the biggest plane, or the most precise tooling, you need exact measurements to improve quality and productivity. So when it has to be right, professionals trust Leica Geosystems Metrology to help collect, analyze, and present 3-dimensional (3D) data for industrial measurement. Leica Geosystems Metrology is best known for its broad array of control and industrial measurement products including laser trackers, Local Positioning Technology (LPT) based systems, hand-held scanners, 3D software and high-precision total stations. Those who use Leica Geosystems Metrology products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the world-class service & support that’s second to none.
Precision, reliability and service from Leica Geosystems Metrology.

About Hexagon Metrology
Hexagon Metrology offers a comprehensive range of products and services for all industrial metrology applications in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy and medical. We support our customers with actionable measurement information along the complete life cycle of a product – from development and design to production, assembly and final inspection.

With more than 20 production facilities and 70 Precision Centers for service and demonstrations, and a network of over 100 distribution partners on five continents, we empower our customers to fully control their manufacturing processes, enhancing the quality of products and increasing efficiency in manufacturing plants around the world. For more information, visit www.hexagonmetrology.com.

Hexagon Metrology is part of Hexagon (Nordic exchange: HEXA B; www.hexagon.com). Hexagon is a leading global provider of design, measurement and visualisation technologies that enable customers to design, measure and position objects, and process and present data.

Hexagon Metrology Services Ltd.
World Headquarters Office
Cedar House
78 Portsmouth Road
Cobham, Surrey
KT11 1AN
Great Britain


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