CMM Discovery at IMTS Helps Machine Shop Grow Aerospace Business

Why It Matters

Accurate, fast metrology is essential for aerospace suppliers to meet stringent AS9102 standards and win high‑value contracts, directly impacting revenue growth and market competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

• EWT/3DCNC added ZEISS CONTURA and O‑INSPECT metrology machines.
• Measurement time dropped from a full day to one‑two hours.
• New tools enable tolerance checks as tight as 0.00005 in.
• Automated inspection plans streamline FAI documentation for AS9102 compliance.

Pulse Analysis

The aerospace sector increasingly demands sub‑micron dimensional control and traceable inspection records, pushing contract machine shops to upgrade their metrology capabilities. Trade shows such as the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) serve as a catalyst, where manufacturers can evaluate cutting‑edge equipment side by side. For EWT/3DCNC, a Rockford‑based shop with roots dating back to 1973, the ZEISS exhibit highlighted a gap in their workflow: manual probing and paper‑based First Article Inspection (FAI) reports were slowing delivery to defense and aviation clients. The decision to act quickly stemmed from the need to meet AS9102 standards and win new aerospace contracts.

ZEISS supplied two complementary systems: the CONTURA bridge coordinate‑measuring machine (CMM) equipped with a high‑precision touch probe, and the O‑INSPECT multi‑sensor vision measuring machine (VMM) that combines a camera, white‑light scanner, and optional probe. The bridge CMM excels on large, high‑tolerance parts where repeatability is paramount, while the VMM captures complex geometries in seconds, reducing contact‑related deformation on reflective or delicate surfaces. Together they give EWT/3DCNC the flexibility to handle parts ranging from tiny medical components to bulky aerospace brackets, all while maintaining tolerances down to 0.00005 in.

The operational impact has been immediate. Inspection cycles that once consumed an entire workday now finish within one to two hours, freeing engineers to focus on programming and scheduling. Automated inspection plan generation pulls PMI data directly from CAD models, producing FAI reports that satisfy AS9102 without manual transcription. This boost in throughput and data confidence positions the shop to compete for higher‑value aerospace programs, where on‑time delivery and documented precision are non‑negotiable. In a market where marginal improvements translate into significant revenue, the ZEISS upgrade illustrates how strategic metrology investments can drive growth and customer loyalty.