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Precision measurements are critical to the aviation industry. For that reason one must actively pursue the most accurate and precise measurement machinery to provide the best results during assembly, maintenance, and service of aviation equipment.

In today’s blog we discuss three areas that laser alignment is most critical for aircraft. Schaeffer Precision Alignment is proud to offer services for aviation customers nationwide. Our metrology services provide precise standards needed to maintain the high level of excellence in the aviation industry.

Aircraft Assembly
Assembling aircraft within all tolerances is obviously the first step to reaching and maintaining standard aviation requirements. At Schaeffer Precision Alignment we have several different types of laser alignment machinery. From Laser Trackers to precision arms we have the tools needed to reach highly precise tolerances.

Aircraft Maintenance
Wings, tail booms, rotors, hinges, and the many fixtures on an aircraft are very important to maintaing the safety of an airplane during flight. From positioning engines, gearboxes, mounts, and drive shafts to critical precision measurements like wing flaps or helicopter tail boom alignment, we have the tools needed to keep your aircraft in top shape during maintenance.

Aircraft Service
Making upgrades, changing out parts, or during regular checks having a precision alignment crew on hand is critical. Schaeffer Precision Alignment is able to travel to your location when you need us. Whether your project is a few months away or just a few days, we are ready to send out one of our top alignment crews to assist in the servicing of your aircraft and helicopters.

Since 1989 Schaeffer Precision Alignment has been providing alignment services for industry companies around the United States. We have laser alignment equipment that can provide fast results and alignment data that is within a thousandth of an inch! Give us a call today to schedule your alignment project today.

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Post image for Upgrading F86 Fighter Jets with a Laser Tracker

Earlier this year Schaeffer Precision Alignment was honored to participate in a project to upgrade F-86 fighter jets. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America’s first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly winged Soviet MiG-15 in high-speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War.

Using the laser tracker Schaeffer Precision Alignment was able to map the existing intake and exhaust of the fighter jets for plans to upgrade their engines in the future. Below is a picture of a three-ship F-86F Sabre formation during the Korean War in 1953.

The digital mapping of the F86 engines took several days to complete within a private hanger in south Texas. The data gathered by the laser tracker was used in conjunction with state-of-the-art 3D mapping software.

For many years Schaeffer Precision Alignment has used dimensional metrology to assist commercial and private aircraft in a wide array of precision processes. From digitally mapping military helicopters to symmetry checks to the installation of jet engines, Schaeffer Precision Alignment has the tools and experience to provide precision metrology services for companies around the United States.

About The F-86 Sabre
Considered one of the best and most important fighter aircraft in the Korean War, the F-86 is also rated highly in comparison with fighters of other eras. Although it was developed in the late 1940s and was outdated by the end of the 1950s, the Sabre proved versatile and adaptable, and continued as a front-line fighter in numerous air forces until the last active operational examples were retired by the Bolivian Air Force in 1994.

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Post image for What Makes Precision Alignment Precise?

Many companies claim to offer precise alignment services, but what really makes an alignment truly precise?

In today’s blog post we discuss three key areas that must be upheld to maintain precision no matter what or where the measurement is being made.

 

  1. The Equipment Used
    The measurements you make are only as precise as the tools you are using. If you were handed a tape measure that was a quarter of an inch short for every foot and you were asked to measure the distance between several points, your final measurements would be inaccurate. Imprecise tools make for inaccurate measurements. That’s why we use the most advanced tools in the industry to complete our precision alignment projects. We can accurately measure something that is 100 meters long or 1,000 meters long because we have the precision tools to ensure accuracy.
  2. The Process Used
    Repeatability is the definition of precision. If a measurement can not be repeated multiple times then there is no precision in that measurement. For that reason Schaeffer Precision Alignment uses time tested processes that have proven effective on countless machines and tools across a wide array of industries. Metrology is a discipline that demands organization and uniformity.
  3. Experience
    The final aspect that really sets Schaeffer Precision Alignment apart from other alignment companies is our level of experience. Our senior technicians have over 35 years of experience and have proven that they can handle any situation and still maintain precise and accurate measurement standards. We specialize in custom metrology projects. We can measure it, guaranteed.

At Schaeffer Precision Alignment we have traveled throughout the United States providing professional alignment services for industrial companies of all types. From aviation to power to rolling mills to chemical plants to printing presses to jet engines we have the tools, process and experience needed to maintain true precision.

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What Is Industrial Misalignment?

March 25, 2013
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Misalignment is never a simple problem. There are often a wide array of issues that lead to misalignment. Use the following short list of symptoms to isolate any issues that you might be having with your industrial equipment. Be sure and review our list of the benefits of industrial alignment. Symptoms of Misalignment Premature Machinery more »

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Advantages of Onsite Alignment Work

March 6, 2013
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At Schaeffer Precision Alignment we like to say “we have the technology and we will travel.” There is nothing that we aren’t prepared to measure. We have the tools needed to get the job done and we have the experience and manpower to get the job done no matter where it might be. We have more »

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Aircraft Alignment & Precision Tooling Services

February 21, 2013
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Aircraft maintenance is critical to maintaining safe flights and efficient flight schedules. Unplanned repair is both expensive and detrimental to flight scheduling. Schaeffer Precision Alignment offers aircraft alignment and precision tooling services to help companies maintain their airplanes. Aircraft Alignment There are many ways in which Schaeffer Precision Alignment’s aircraft alignment services can be utilized. more »

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Causes of Machine Vibration

February 14, 2013
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Machinery vibration leads to shortened machinery life, poor product outputs, and eventually emergency shutdowns. To avoid unscheduled product production watch for these four causes of machine vibration. Imbalance – In the case of rotating equipment, the axis (or shaft) must be equally balanced. An imbalanced axis will create a centrifugal force which causes the machine more »

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Plant Shutdowns and Outages – Best Practices

February 3, 2013
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As winter reaches its climax around the nation, plants around are either experiencing a peak in their seasonal highs or looking to the upcoming seasons of 2013. Whether the winter or summer are peak times in your industry you know that scheduled shutdowns and outages are critical to preparing for the high season each year. more »

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The Importance of Laser Precision in Industrial Production

January 17, 2013
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There are many different types of precision equipment across the thousands of industrial plants throughout the United States. Whether your equipment is a rotary or machine tool it must be aligned properly in order to provide quality product. Quality control starts with laser precision alignment. When machinery is not geometrically correct the misalignment will lead more »

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Coordinate Measuring Machine: Stationary and Portable Solutions

December 19, 2012
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Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) are known to be large fixtures that often take up a large amount of space and are not able to be moved from one location to another. In fact, once a CMM is in place they never move from their resting place ever again. The reason a CMM never moves is more »

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