APQP’s roots trace back to the 1980s U.S. automotive industry, where fierce competition from Japanese manufacturers pushed companies like Ford, GM, and Chrysler to improve quality and consistency.
Former Boeing engineer Jim Doxey explains a previous motto at the company, why people (and teamwork) are the most important part of a quality system, and offers advice for manufacturers looking to avoid quality woes. He also shares his thoughts on a 30+ career working in manufacturing.
These technologies enhance the accuracy, speed, and thoroughness of flaw detection in critical components, contributing to improved safety and reliability in aerospace operations.
The aerospace industry relies on advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability. Automated technologies, such as phased arrays and 3D scanning, enhance defect detection in aircraft structures, reducing human error. This overview emphasizes the importance of these advancements.
With great sadness, The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) shared the passing of founding member and first president, John William Locke, at the age of 91.
Material analysis is a critical component of successful lightweighting strategies.
September 12, 2024
In aerospace, lightweighting is crucial for fuel efficiency, range, and emissions. Material analysis and technology advancements offer weight reduction without sacrificing performance or safety.
As high-energy systems become more powerful and AI-driven analysis becomes more sophisticated, CT will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of aerospace components.
X-ray CT is crucial for the aerospace industry, offering nondestructive insights into components' inner structure, aiding in defect detection, maintenance, and research. High-energy CT is advancing the technology, allowing for detailed imaging and shaping the industry.
Leaders prioritize efficiency and productivity over quality management, compromising long-term standards, evident in the widespread adoption of operational excellence programs like Lean and Six Sigma.
Laser-based NDT methods continue to be refined and improved, with recent significant advancements in the measurement of difficult-to-inspect shiny surfaces, underwater and radiation environments.