CAPPS-NC Delivers Closed-Loop CNC Control with Wireless 3D Scanning and Automatic Tool Changing

Applied Automation Technologies (AAT3D) has announced the integration of the Hexagon LS-R-4.8 blue light laser scanning sensor into the CAPPS-NC manufacturing platform. The integration enables wireless communication and intelligent automatic tool changer (ATC) management to support high-speed, non-contact inspection of large airframe stringers and complex structural components.

Developed for large-scale aerospace manufacturing environments, the integrated solution supports dense, high-resolution 3D data capture directly within the production environment. The system maintains low-latency wireless communication between the scanning system, the machine tool, and the CAPPS-NC NC-Fit module, enabling in-process measurement workflows.

The integration supports automated handling of the scanning hardware through coordination with the machine’s automatic tool changer. This allows the scanner to be managed as a tool within the machining environment, supporting automated pickup, changeover, stowage, and verification without manual intervention.

Changing How Large Aerospace Structures are Measured and Controlled

“This integration represents a significant step forward in how large, compliant aerospace structures can be measured and managed within production,” said Elliott Mills, Sales and Marketing Manager. “By enabling wireless communication, ATC-managed scanning, and NC-Fit feedback, manufacturers can transition more efficiently between machining, measurement, and correction within a single workflow.”

The solution is intended for inspection applications involving large airframe stringers, longerons, frames, spars, and other complex structural components where traditional probing or offline inspection approaches may present efficiency or accessibility limitations.

Key capabilities of the integrated solution include:

• Wireless, low-latency communication between the scanner, machine tool, and CAPPS-NC platform
• Intelligent automatic tool changer (ATC) management for scanner pickup and storage
• Non-contact blue light scanning for large aerospace structures
• Dense 3D point-cloud capture of long, thin, and closed-profile components
• Automated CAD comparison and deviation analysis
• Closed-loop feedback to the NC-Fit module for adaptive fitting workflows

“Everything we build around CAPPS-NC is guided by real-world manufacturing requirements,” said Yeliz Karadai, Vice President. “By integrating wireless communication and intelligent tool management, we continue to advance automation capabilities that help manufacturers reduce complexity and improve overall process control.”

CAPPS-NC integrates measurement, analysis, and adaptive control directly into production environments to support closed-loop manufacturing for high-precision industries.

For more information: www.aat3d.com

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