Hexagon unveils new automated quality inspection system at Farnborough Airshow

"The industry has no choice but to upgrade its manufacturing processes if it wants to keep up with demand," said Aziz Tahiri, vice president of global aerospace and defense at Hexagon. "We've reached the limits of productivity gains from simply recruiting more people to ramp up production. Successfully automating low-volume aerospace manufacturing has proven challenging due to the high mix and scale of components."

The largest version of PRESTO XL employs two mobile trackers and two mobile scanners and can accommodate parts measuring 3-6 meters. It is suitable for inspecting at least 50 percent of major aerostructure components, including fuselage panels, doors, and wing ribs.

Hexagon stated that the aerospace industry is under immense pressure to increase output, with demand pushing global aircraft production up by 20 percent per year until 2027. "Airbus A320 production alone is planned to ramp up from 48 aircraft per month while grappling with a significant skills shortage exacerbated by early retirements during the Covid-19 pandemic and a struggle to attract young engineers."

Additionally, Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division announced its new Digital Factory Solution. This solution allows manufacturers to build highly accurate digital replicas of their factories, potentially saving millions annually by optimizing production. Approximately 32 percent of manufacturers believe their current processes are outdated and impede productivity and collaboration.

The solution helps global manufacturers reduce costs and avoid mistakes when planning and building factories. "By connecting asset digital twins to an accurate and up-to-date digital factory," Hexagon stated, "companies can plan and operate more productive, flexible, and sustainable future factories."