Technology: Making the Rounds

Delta Sigma Company is an industry leader in manufacturing technology. Its machinery is used in producing aircraft parts and modules from nose to tail — including optical projection systems, automated assembly systems, and real-time 3-D visualization applications.

An innovator in aerospace production since 1990, Delta Sigma originally specialized in radar cross-section test and measurement systems for high-accuracy detection. Twenty years later, Delta Sigma changed the manufacturing game with the installation of the first ProjectionWorks system. Since then, its complex-but-customizable automated systems have saved customers time and money, while ensuring safety and consistent quality.

ProjectionWorks technology, which has received acclaim from Congress and the Department of Defense, took center stage at the AeroDef conference earlier this year in Fort Worth, Texas. At the March conference, DeltaSigma CEO Roger Richardson highlighted ProjectionWorks’ augmented reality and automation technology in two presentations.

In the first, entitled “Augmented Reality Work Instructions Using the Microsoft HoloLens,” Richardson demonstrated the viability and applicability of augmented reality equipment in manufacturing settings. Previously, the size of head-worn augmented reality devices — such as the HoloLens — limited their use in large-scale assemblies, particularly in tight spaces. However, as Richardson emphasized, augmented reality can prove valuable to manufacturers in some contexts, such as the complex systems developed by Delta Sigma customers.

Augmented reality technology need not be limited to data display; the implementation of CAD model imports, work sequencing, and PDM and MES integration broaden the scope of augmented reality applications in aircraft assembly. Together, those elements are critical to the successful and efficient use of augmented reality systems that ProjectionWorks is known for.

In his second presentation, entitled “3D Visualization for Real-Time In-Process Verification/Rectification in Metrology-Assisted Assembly,” Richardson discussed the logistic and economic virtues of augmented reality presentation. He also described how to make standard metrology software display data in an augmented reality format — such as measurements displayed on physical parts in real-time, regardless of complexity. Metrology-assisted assembly and in-process verification and rectification were just some of the applications demonstrated during the presentation.

ProjectionWorks will next be featured at the Coordinate Metrology Society Conference (CMSC) from July 17-21 in Snowbird, Utah, an event for presentations and workshops from industry experts. More information and a list of upcoming events can be found on the ProjectionWorks website.

Delta Sigma Company and ProjectionWorks are proud to usher in the future of complex, customizable automated systems. For more information, visit Delta Sigma online, call (770) 575-5100, or send questions to info@deltasigmacompany.com.