3D Scanning Provides Key Weapon for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

Recent events have shown that challenges to the global status quo can arise rapidly, making it imperative that military manufacturers remain agile and prepared to meet new circumstances as they emerge. As author Jim Pattison succinctly stated: “No matter what business you are in, there is change, and it's happening pretty quickly.” The challenges posed to military manufacturers include shorter design and production timetables, the need for greater efficiency in parts replacement and material usage, and an accelerated time to market; challenges that must be met with every technological tool available.

The current revolution in manufacturing driven by digital technologies, is transforming the global production landscape. While artificial intelligence, augmented reality and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are increasing production efficiency and time to market, 3D scanning still has not been exploited by aerospace and defense manufacturers for its full potential to do the same.