Flushness measurement of rivets and fasteners
A rivet row on a curved fuselage panel is scanned by a laser profiler carried on a linear axis. Each head level is calculated relative to the surrounding surface; a proud rivet is shown with a dimension label and a red ring.
Head levels and centre spacing are added to the panel record; the coordinates of an out-of-limit rivet are shown to the operator for rework.
- 01 Fixture
- 02 Laser
- 03 Scan
- 04 Flushness
- 05 Decide
The panel is located on the scanning reference.
- Largest head-level difference
- —
- Rivet centre spacing
- —
- Located rivets
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Scenes are illustrative simulations; they are not customer references or performance guarantees.
Need
Fuselage curvature distorts any measurement taken against a fixed plane. Bright rivet heads and local surface slope require a separate surrounding reference at each fastener.
Solution approach
A linear axis carries the profiler along the rivet row. Panel surfaces on both sides of each head are located in the laser section and a local reference is fitted. Head height is measured relative to it; centre spacing and missing heads are also checked.
Process steps
- 01
Fixture
The panel is located on the scanning reference.
- 02
Laser
The laser line crosses the rivet row.
- 03
Scan
The axis scans the row and sections accumulate.
- 04
Flushness
Each head is compared with the surrounding surface.
- 05
Decide
The proud-head coordinates are sent for rework.
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