Blisk business

However, these increased production levels can often put pressure on other areas of the manufacturing process and lead to bottlenecks in the inspection process.
To address this challenge, aerospace manufacturers are increasingly turning to advanced inspection techniques

One such manufacturer is Midlands jet engine manufacturer ITP Engines, which recently invested in a high-speed, high-accuracy measurement system for its blisk and IBRS (aero-engine components consisting of a rotor disk and blades) production line.

Based in Lincoln, the firm, descended from Power Jets, the firm, founded by the father of the jet engine Frank Whittle, turned to measurement specialist Mitutoyo to provide a system that could keep pace with its demanding production volumes.

The resulting solution is based on one of Mitutoyo’s advanced Crysta-Apex C Coordinate Measuring Machines. Built using lightweight materials and boasting a moving-bridge type machine structure,
the system is claimed to provide excellent motion stability and high accuracy.