M7 Adds Large Article Hand Held 3D Scanning Capability
San Antonio-TX – October 20, 2009
M7 Aerospace has expanded its Engineering Services capabilities by adding a hand held ZScanner® 700 PX laser scanner from Z Corporation. The hand held laser scanner allows large objects, including entire aircraft, to be scanned to create three dimensional (3D) digital models.
A major advantage of this ZScanner is that it allows the reverse engineering of components or aircraft that were originally designed in the two dimensional era – before computer aided design (CAD) and 3D digital design software were readily available.
M7 Aerospace has established itself as an industry leader in sustaining legacy or sunset aircraft fleets. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the Fairchild Metro & Merlin aircraft, M7 Aerospace’s Engineering Services has continued to develop modifications and system enhancements to keep the Metro and Merlin aircraft fleet current with the regulatory requirements and the needs of the operators. The ZScanner allows M7 Aerospace’s engineers to bridge the gap between the 2D era design limitations and the more modern 3D engineering and design practices needed to modify and maintain these older aircraft for today’s operating requirements.
M7 Aerospace’s Engineering team worked closely with AGS 3D, Inc. to adapt the ZScanner to the specialized needs of an aviation engineering department. AGS 3D Inc. is the Texas distributor for Z Corporation products.
In addition to the Fairchild aircraft, M7 Aerospace maintains and modifies legacy aircraft for the US military and foreign governments with support programs for the C-23 and C-26 aircraft. The C-23 is a military derivative of the Shorts 360 originally manufactured in the early 1980’s. The C-26 is a military variant of the Fairchild SA227 Metroliner manufactured in the current M7 Aerospace’s facilities in San Antonio, Texas until the early 1980s.
As the C-23 and C-26 have been called upon to perform a more modern role in today’s military, these aircraft have had required modifications such as ballistic blankets, avionics upgrades and external sensor installations for missile defense systems. With the addition of the hand held ZScanner, M7 Aerospace’s Engineering team is able to create 3D models of the entire aircraft, making the integration of these modern defense systems easier and more cost effective.
“There is a growing need for both our government and commercial customers to keep their older aircraft flying and productive.” said Joe Furnish, Vice President of Engineering Services for M7 Aerospace. “This new scanner allows us to modify and update these legacy aircraft in a much more efficient approach”
M7 Aerospace is an integrated services company offering a full suite of aviation services through its seven business segments. M7 offers an integrated services solutions approach to its government and commercial customers, crossing traditional market boundaries.
The company’s seven integrated business segments include Aerostructures Manufacturing; Government Logistics Support Contracting; Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul; Engineering Services; Aircraft Parts and Service; Supply Chain Management, and Staffing Services.
M7 Aerospace began operations in 2003 after acquiring the assets of Fairchild Aircraft. M7 remains the OEM for the fleet of Fairchild-built Metro, Merlin, Expediter and C-26 aircraft, but has transformed itself into a leading provider of aerospace and defense services. M7 operates from its 405,000 sq. ft. facility located on 22 acres at the San Antonio International Airport and employs nearly 500 people worldwide.
Media Contact:
Andy Plyler
Tel. (210) 820-8624
Fax (210) 820-8690
(Email)
To learn more about Z Corporation, you can visit thier Web site: Z Corporation
To learn more about AGS 3D Inc. visit their website at: AGS 3D Inc.
Z Corporation and ZScanner are registered trademarks of Z Corporation.
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