LK enhances enterprise integration with AIMS-enabled measuring software

Citation

(2006), "LK enhances enterprise integration with AIMS-enabled measuring software", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778bab.009

LK enhances enterprise integration with AIMS-enabled measuring software

LK enhances enterprise integration with AIMS-enabled measuring software

Keywords: Measurement, testing and instruments, Computer software

A growing number of global enterprises are looking for solutions that allow the creation and execution of inspection systems that span the world. As part of its strategy to meet this need, LK announces the signing of a licensing agreement with Metronor to integrate to the AIMS protocol.

In conjunction with Boeing in the USA, the Norwegian company, Metronor, has developed open- architecture software enabling seamless, closed-loop sharing of CAD geometry, inspection plans and measurement results. Known as AIMS, standing for Advanced Integrated Mathematical System, it allows an OEM and its global supply chain to exchange information freely without inaccuracies or data loss, irrespective of the many dissimilar hardware and software platforms being used.

Recognising the power of the new software, which avoids the use of translators such as IGES, STEP and VDA, LK Group has signed a licensing agreement with Metronor and is developing AIMS-enabled versions of LK CAMIO, the market-leading software for programming measuring machines and analysing inspection results.

Metronor's AIMS geometric assurance software links the whole manufacturing environment, from CAD through inspection to statistical analysis of components and the supplier's production processes, then back again to the design department for improvements to be made if necessary. The software is thought likely to become widely adopted, especially in multinational manufacturing operations, not only because of Boeing's endorsement, but also due to the announcement last July 2005 that Lockheed- Martin is also implementing it for the production of structural parts for the F-35 joint strike fighter (JSF) (Plate 1).

Plate 1 Machined carbon fibre panels for the F-35 JSF are inspected at BAE Systems Samlesbury using a CMM from LK, which is developing AIMS-enabled versions of its CAMIO software. Lockheed-Martin is also implementing AIMS geometric assurance software for the JSF programme

Commented Troy Niehaus, vice president of the AIMS business unit within Metronor, “We are excited that LK is developing an interface to AIMS. This is great news for LK customers that want to collaborate reliably with their suppliers to ensure incoming materials meet assembly standards”.

Chris Marriott, LK's software product manager, added, “AIMS fits perfectly within LK's software strategy for interoperability. The geometric assurance software allows a contract supplier the freedom to choose the best equipment for any given application, rather than being forced to comply with proprietary protocols, and the OEM can evaluate suppliers' capabilities in advance and choose the best”.

“Seamless data exchange means that emphasis is placed on the quality of the metrology software itself, rather than getting it to communicate effectively over a worldwide network, which we believe plays into our hands with the strength of our CAMIO suite.”

“LK is engaged in a series of programmes to improve customers' experience of our metrology solutions. The decision to support the AIMS protocol for data exchange is a significant step forward.”

Details available from: LK Group. Tel: +44 (0) 1332 811349; Fax: +44 (0) 1332 850149; e-mail: sales@lkuk.co.uk; web site: www.lk-cmm.com