8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-Service™ digitally mapped and reported hail damage on the control surfaces of B777 and A220 aircraft operated by Swiss International Air Lines.
CONSTANCE, GERMANY & RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
More than 1,500 dents were digitally mapped and reported by 8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-Service (daaS) at Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) hangars in Zurich, Switzerland. The control surfaces of a B777 and an A220 had been damaged in a hailstorm. 8tree’s service engineers used the dentCHECK dent-mapping tool to digitally map and report all dents on the affected areas, efficiently and effectively.
“We are very satisfied with the service provided by 8tree”, says Claus Bauer, Head of Technical Division at SWISS. “The automated dentCHECK-tool helped us to record hail damage quickly and completely so that we could rectify it promptly. This enabled us to return the aircraft concerned to flight operations in airworthy condition as quickly as possible, which is of key importance to us as an airline.”
“We are excited that Swiss International Air Lines decided to perform the dent-mapping on two hail damaged aircraft with 8tree’s service capabilities”, said Erik Klaas, CTO, 8tree. “As the first Swiss airline, they joined the growing base of dentCHECK-as-a-Service customers who disposition hail damage affected aircraft using our dentCHECK tool. We look forward to continuing Swiss International Airlines maintenance operations.”
The dentCHECK platform is the world’s only handheld-portable, completely wireless 3D scanner tool with integrated AR that is purpose-built for the aviation maintenance industry and recognized by all major aerospace OEMs. It can also be found integrated into drones and robotic automation cells. Leading Airlines & MROs across the Commercial, Military, Cargo and Business aviation sectors use 8tree’s dentCHECK tool and 8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-service for mapping aircraft damage and creating detailed SRM-compliant digital damage reports.
With integrated AR, dentCHECK empowers the aircraft technician with instant, actionable measurements for critical airframe damage while boosting consistency (18x), accuracy (20x), efficiency (90% time-savings) and eliminating human-subjectivity, compared to traditional manual inspection methods. dentCHECK delivers precision measurements ‘as simple as taking a photo’, and enhances safety through an improved understanding of airframe reliability.
Learn how dozens of airlines/MROs are using dentCHECK by reading our customer testimonials.
About 8tree
8tree tools, technology and services boost your production quality with precision 3D measurement that is as simple as taking a photo.
With built-in AR, 8tree’s tools empower operators of every skill-level to achieve accurate, consistent, and actionable inspection results within seconds.
For more information, visit 8-tree.com.
For recent news follow 8tree on LinkedIn.
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8tree extends its automation inspection portfolio by partnering with Avinxt for robotic aviation inspection system.
CONSTANCE, GERMANY & RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 22, 2023
8tree’s 3D inspection engines can be found in the hands of human operators, mounted on drones, and integrated into robotic automation cells.
The automatic robotics system from Avinxt for fully automated aircraft de-icing, washing and engine wash will debut at Avinor Oslo Airport (OSL), where the robot will be built in 2024. The robot, which replaces the current manual and time-consuming processes, is faster, more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
“By integrating 8tree’s technology with our robotics system, we can scan aircraft for damage. The system performs aircraft surface inspections with extreme precision within a few hours, compared to manual processes that take several weeks. We believe this service will be in high demand from airlines and leasing companies as it will significantly reduce costs,” said CEO Ove Trøen of Avinxt.
“We are excited to work with Avinxt on this very novel robotic inspection concept”, said Erik Klaas, CTO and Co-Founder at 8tree. “Never before was it possible to automate aircraft inspection to this degree. We see a big potential not only in the case of hail damage assessment on the entire aircraft but also in cases where the aircraft changes ownership. This has always been an area with lots of debate which now can be resolved with an objective and quick process.”
The dentCHECK platform is the world’s only handheld-portable, completely wireless 3D scanner tool with integrated AR that is purpose-built for the aviation maintenance industry and recognized by all major aerospace OEMs. It can also be found integrated into drones and robotic automation cells. Leading Airlines & MROs across the Commercial, Military, Cargo and Business aviation sectors use 8tree’s dentCHECK tool and 8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-service for mapping aircraft damage and creating detailed SRM-compliant digital damage reports.
With integrated AR, dentCHECK empowers the aircraft technician with instant, actionable measurements for critical airframe damage while boosting consistency (18x), accuracy (20x), efficiency (90% time-savings) and eliminating human-subjectivity, compared to traditional manual inspection methods. dentCHECK delivers precision measurements ‘as simple as taking a photo’, and enhances safety through an improved understanding of airframe reliability.
Learn how dozens of airlines/MROs are using dentCHECK by reading our customer testimonials.
About 8tree
8tree tools, technology and services boost your production quality with precision 3D measurement that is as simple as taking a photo.
With built-in AR, 8tree’s tools empower operators of every skill-level to achieve accurate, consistent, and actionable inspection results within seconds.
For more information, visit 8-tree.com.
For recent news follow 8tree on LinkedIn.
About Avinxt
Avinxt is building the world’s biggest robot powered by green technology and artificial intelligence that will reduce cost and carbon emissions for the aviation industry. Supported by Canrig and Siemens, the world’s largest robot from Avinxt will potentially replace the current manual and time-consuming processes for de-ice, wash, engine wash and technical inspection of aircraft. The first robot is expected to be in operation at Oslo Airport in 2024.
For more information, visit avinxt.com.
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8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-Service program grows with the addition of AMROS Global as an 8tree Certified Service Partner.
dentCHECK-as-a-Service delivers on-demand airframe spot-checks and nose-to-tail mapping for lease transitions and catastrophic hail damage scenarios.
CONSTANCE, GERMANY & RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, JULY 13, 2023
Over the past year, 8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-Service (daaS) business has digitally mapped and reported over 10,000 dents across a dozen commercial aircraft. In response to growing market demand for such services 8tree is building a global network of service partners, while also scaling 8tree’s internal staffing. AMROS Global is the latest industry expert to join 8tree’s service network.
Starting July 13th, AMROS Global will become an 8tree Certified Service Partner offering on-demand airframe inspection service using dentCHECK, in central Europe.
“Together with 8tree, we will be able to further extend our innovative, integrated solution offering for technical management of aircraft, following. With dentCheck-as-a-Service, we will provide a never seen before structural inspection service, revolutionizing the way we perceive quality in measurement, analysis and reporting of structural damages on aircraft of all types – be it for scheduled or unscheduled inspections,” said Eros Tavani, CEO at AMROS Global.
“We are delighted to welcome AMROS to 8tree’s global service network”, said Howard Chung, Applications Engineering Manager at 8tree. “AMROS’ proven track-record in managing aviation assets coupled with 8tree’s widely adopted 3D dent-mapping tools, is certain to deliver faster aircraft turn-around-times for the industry”
The dentCHECK platform is the world’s only handheld-portable, completely wireless 3D scanner tool with integrated AR that is purpose-built for the aviation maintenance industry and recognized by all major aerospace OEMs. It can also be found integrated into drones and robotic automation cells. Leading Airlines & MROs across the Commercial, Military, Cargo and Business aviation sectors use 8tree’s dentCHECK tool and 8tree’s dentCHECK-as-a-service for mapping aircraft damage and creating detailed SRM-compliant digital damage reports.
With integrated AR, dentCHECK empowers the aircraft technician with instant, actionable measurements for critical airframe damage while boosting consistency (18x), accuracy (20x), efficiency (90% time-savings) and eliminating human-subjectivity, compared to traditional manual inspection methods. dentCHECK delivers precision measurements ‘as simple as taking a photo’, and enhances safety through an improved understanding of airframe reliability.
Learn how dozens of airlines/MROs are using dentCHECK by reading our customer testimonials.
About 8tree
8tree tools, technology and services boost your production quality with precision 3D measurement that is as simple as taking a photo.
With built-in AR, 8tree’s tools empower operators of every skill-level to achieve accurate, consistent, and actionable inspection results within seconds.
For more information, visit 8-tree.com.
For recent news follow 8tree on LinkedIn.
About AMROS Global
We are a Flight and Ground Operations services company founded in Michigan in 1998 to serve the military and the commercial aviation world. Today, we are proud to have our own team of talented engineers and mechanics who log an average of 1,200 man-hours every day in support of aircraft maintenance tasks with clients in 4 continents.
For more information, visit amrosglobal.aero.
For recent news, follow AMROS Global on LinkedIn.
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Boeing is working to align more closely 787 program design, engineering and production to head off quality problems …
Marketing Team
Airlines, original equipment manufacturers, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations are making greater use of drones in inspecting aircraft as they overcome challenges to the deployment of such aircraft in hangars and on airfields.
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What is the Aerospace Maintenance Competition?
The Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) is a 2-day competition held in conjunction with the annual MRO Americas organized by Aviation Week. It is a global get-together for the aerospace community to showcase, to compete, and to celebrate the skilled craft of aviation technicians. After a 2-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMC returned in 2022 with a bang. There were 73 teams from various categories – Commercial Airlines, Military, Repair & Manufacturing, and Schools. This year, 8tree and Alaska Airlines once again co-sponsored the “Airframe Damage Inspection” event, one of the 24+ events available at the competition.
What is the “Airframe Damage Inspection” event?
Simply put, the objective of the event is to – “Accurately map two dents using traditional methods, and then repeat the task using dentCHECK”. For the traditional method, competitors were provided with a: depth gauge, straight-edge ruler, flashlight, calculator, pen, and paper. Using these tools, they were required to map the dents, producing these measurements: Depth (Y), Width (A), Length (B), Critical Ratio (A/Y), and the distance between dents. Then, they had to transcribe these numbers on their ‘task card’ – similar to the traditional, paper-based records that the aviation industry still produces. Once they have completed this, they will use the dentCHECK tool to measure the same dents. This is a simple task – With one-click, the tool will measure all the aforementioned numbers, and instantaneously project the results back onto the surface. With the result superimposed on the physical damaged aircraft panel, competitors were able to see the measurements and make a decision, while the result remains in digital format.
How did the competitors fare against each other?
The performance of the competitors was widespread. Some completed the tasks in <5 minutes, while some were unable to complete the task within the allocated 15 minutes. Additionally, the precision of the measurement results was also widespread. For example, across 73 teams, the uncertainty of depth measurement using traditional method was +/- 0.016”. This means that one could measure depth of 0.050”, while another could measure up to 0.082”! This is a huge discrepancy that is plaguing the standards of aviation maintenance, and hence jeopardizing aviation safety. In contrast, when competitors use dentCHECK, the uncertainty was +/- 0.0008”, a 20x improvement when compared to traditional methods.
The results using Traditional Method is shocking. Why is this a problem?
During the competition, we observed 3 top errors that is contributing to this problem. First, incorrect tool handling will yield incorrect results. We observed some competitors incorrectly placed the depth gauge at an incorrect angle or position, while some fail to zero-out the tool properly. Additionally, the subjectivity of determining the starting and end point of a dent’s outline using the naked eye also contributes to this problem. Secondly, some competitors produced incomplete measurement, and skipped crucial steps necessary to produce accurate, complete measurement. Lastly, we observed many record-keeping errors. For example, to calculate the critical ratio, some competitors fail to type in the correct number on the calculator, hence producing bad measurement. In a fast-paced work environment like aviation maintenance, using these tactile tools will undoubtedly produce inaccurate measurement.
How similar is the competition to a ‘real-life’ aviation maintenance industry?
All the events at the competition were very relevant to the aviation maintenance industry. In this industry, turn-around-time (TaT) of an aircraft is of paramount importance. Aircraft maintenance technicians are not just tasked with doing the job right, but they have to perform under time pressure. The competition simulates just that when they only have 15 minutes to complete a certain task. In the “Airframe Damage Inspection” event, we create an opportunity for competitors to be equipped with a tool – dentCHECK – that will help them accomplish both objectives: (i) Accurately measure a dent-damage (ii) Do it in the fastest way possible. In this year’s competition, competitors took 8 minutes 49 seconds to map the dents using traditional method, but took only 11 seconds to map the dents using dentCHECK, a 48x faster inspection time. The competition provides a small snippet of the burden placed upon the maintenance technicians, and how continuous improvement and learning of new tools can help them become more efficient.
What are the benefits for airlines, MROs, and schools to participate in such competition?
The AMC was truly an engaging platform for aviation technicians to come together to exchange ideas and to get inspired. One of the big issues in the industry today is the aging workforce problem, whereby juniority across the workforce with limited exposure and experience may pose a threat to effective and timely maintenance of aircraft fleet in the future. 8tree hopes to bridge this gap of skillset between retiring workforce and new technicians by introducing technology that will simplify the cumbersome process of precision measurement. Additionally, the platform is a good avenue to build existing professional connection and to make new ones. You never know who you will meet at the competition!
Where can others find more about the key findings from this competition?
Some example measurement and photos can be found here. There you can find the detailed analysis of the competition results.
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Leading global MRO HAECO has implemented dentCHECK at its Hong Kong and Lake City, Florida maintenance facilities to expedite airframe damage inspection including extensive hail-damage scenarios.
This press release was published on PRWeb.
dentCHECK usage at HAECO facility in Hong Kong.
HAECO Group, one of the world’s leading aviation products and services providers, has begun using 8tree’s dentCHECK tool to enhance the efficiency and quality of its dent-mapping activities. In particular, HAECO Hong Kong and HAECO Americas are already making use of dentCHECK’s new automatic large-area mapping capability to drastically reduce the time taken for inspecting incoming hail-damaged aircraft.
dentCHECK is the world’s only handheld-portable, completely wireless 3D scanner tool with integrated AR that is purpose-built for the aviation maintenance industry. The tool delivers real-time ‘go/no-go’ answers at the push of a single-button and significantly reduces damage-mapping and reporting times, compared to traditional manual methods that use depth-gauges and straight-edges.
“HAECO’s On-wing Structure Support team is constantly looking out for new technologies to enhance our safety, quality, performance and customer satisfaction. dentCHECK has enabled us to accurately capture all the data we need and generate a report in a short amount of time. It is a tremendous advantage to support AOG situations around the clock, as well as to map extensive damages like hail strike during base maintenance input. We look forward to working closely with 8tree for future technology enhancements,” said Pierre Seon, On-Wing Structure Support Manager, HAECO Hong Kong.
“We are delighted to welcome HAECO to the global community of dentCHECK users”, said Arun Chhabra, Chief Executive Officer of 8tree. “HAECO joins the ranks of more than three dozen MROs, airlines and OEMs that use dentCHECK daily to disposition dent-damage on aircraft across the cargo, commercial, business and defense aviation sectors. We look forward to supporting HAECO’s maintenance facilities worldwide and having them experience 8tree’s exceptional customer service.”
About HAECO
HAECO Group is one of the world’s leading aircraft engineering and maintenance service providers. We provide a comprehensive range of solutions encompassing airframe services, line services, cabin solutions, private jet solutions, fleet technical management, inventory technical management, component overhaul, aerostructure repairs, landing gear services, engine services, global engine support, parts manufacturing and technical training. HAECO Group comprises 16 operating companies, employing around 15,000 staff in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Europe and the United States. Learn more at http://www.haeco.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest updates.
About 8tree
“Precision 3D measurement as simple as taking a photo”
With this vision in mind, 8tree makes 3D optical surface inspection tools that solve chronic problems for multiple industries. 8tree’s products empower every operator – from mechanics on the floor, to engineers in the lab – with instantly actionable precise measurements, portability and performance. With its patented user-centric product design, instant ‘go/no-go’ answers and zero-learning curve, 8tree is committed to making precision 3D scanning more broadly accessible – technically and commercially.
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8tree’s dentCHECK tool is gaining traction in the MRO industry, and is said to reduce dent mapping and reporting times by 90 per cent. We spoke to 8tree’s co-founder and CEO Arun Chhabra to find out the story behind the company and the tool
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Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) and 8tree today announced an expansion of their relationship
and availability of the dentCHECK dent-mapping and reporting service.
This press release was published on PRWeb.
The expanded service will now include support for Large Area Dent Mapping at customer locations. This builds on the existing Ad Hoc dent-mapping services offered at Panasonic Technical Service (PTS) regional line stations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and London Heathrow (LHR) area airports.
The introduction of large area dent mapping service is particularly suited to hail damage scenarios and follows a series of very successful service jobs completed by Panasonic Avionics and 8tree. In the aftermath of an extreme hail event in Roswell, New Mexico late last year, several severely damaged wide-body aircraft – as many as a thousand dents each – were inspected using dentCHECK’s large area panoramic mapping feature. A comprehensive itemized digital report, containing key damage metrics, were completed in days, as opposed to the months it would have taken with traditional manual methods.
This service offering will allow Panasonic Avionics customers yet another convenient, accurate, and efficient way to protect their commercial aircraft investment, avoiding unnecessary costs and time delays. Further, the service will complement PTS’s existing line of best-in-class products and services, continuing its history of being a premier MRO service solution provider.
“We are pleased to announce the expansion of our relationship with 8tree,” said Sean Gavin, SVP of Panasonic Technical Services. “Using the 8tree scanning technologies allows us to deliver highly accurate information much more quickly than previously possible using traditional methods. This allows our passenger and cargo airline customers to make very timely, data-driven, operational decisions. Our global network, combined with 8tree technology creates a high-value, cost-effective service for dent mapping and aircraft safety solutions.”
“After the incredible results in Roswell last year, expanding the scope of our dentCHECK service relationship with Panasonic Avionics was a natural choice”, said Arun Chhabra, CEO of 8tree. “Operators will benefit from the faster, more efficient mapping of catastrophic hail damage, allowing them to make more informed decisions about aircraft serviceability and return to service, while alongside building more robust aircraft records. Working with the Panasonic Avionics team to deliver this large area mapping service, we look forward to seeing operators return their aircraft to service faster and with greater confidence.”
Panasonic Avionics supplies and services in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems. The company’s customer base includes more than 300 airlines located across the globe. PTS provides spares and repairs, line maintenance, and technical services at more than 50 locations globally. PTS’ customized solutions are designed to ensure equipment serviceability at the lowest possible through-life cost.
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company pioneered the industry beginning in 1979 and has consistently introduced innovations that enable unique customer experiences and enhance airline loyalty (NPS), ancillary revenue, and operational efficiency.
Leading airlines across the world have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics IFE systems on more than 15,000 commercial aircraft and satellite Wi-Fi connectivity on over 3,400 aircraft. Panasonic Avionics’ proven systems power approximately 70% of the global IFE-equipped fleet and is supported by the largest, global support and services team utilizing OEM insights to ensure peak system performance.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in California with over 3,500 employees and operates in over 50 locations around the globe.
For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.
About 8tree
“Precision 3D measurement as simple as taking a photo”
With this vision in mind, 8tree makes 3D optical surface inspection tools that solve chronic problems for multiple industries. 8tree’s products empower every operator – from mechanics on the floor, to engineers in the lab – with instantly actionable precise measurements, portability and performance. With its patented user-centric product design, instant ‘go/no-go’ answers and zero-learning curve, 8tree is committed to making precision 3D scanning more broadly accessible – technically and commercially.
For recent news follow 8tree on LinkedIn.
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