Advanced Inspection Process Set to Revolutionize Metal Part Quality Control at GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace and Bruker have teamed up to develop a new inspection process that utilizes advanced technology to improve metal part inspections at GE Aerospace’s global service shops. This innovative process, which will be deployed through the opening of GE Aerospace’s new STAC facility in September, will use non-destructive open beam x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) inspection devices to detect microstructural variations in metal parts.

The goal of this new inspection process is to enhance the quality and detail of part inspections while also improving the cost of ownership for airline customers. By clearly identifying which repaired parts are airworthy and can be returned to service instead of being replaced with new parts, supply chain constraints can be reduced, resulting in faster engine overhauls.

Nicole Jenkins, Chief MRO Engineer at GE Aerospace, expressed excitement about the opening of the STAC facility and the opportunities it will bring for scaling and deploying cutting-edge inspection and repair processes to the market. She highlighted the unique approach of using technology from the art world to improve the detection of chemical anomalies in metal parts.

Thomas Schuelein, president of Bruker’s Nano Analytics Division, also shared his excitement about extending their advanced XRF technology into the aerospace industry. He emphasized the importance of setting a new standard in non-destructive chemical analysis techniques to support aircraft component re-manufacturing quality. The successful collaboration between GE Aerospace and Bruker demonstrates their commitment to innovation, with expectations for further breakthroughs in the aerospace sector.