CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
9 July 2012
Implementation Investments
Eurocopter Canada Selects LaserEdge Templating System from Virtek Vision International
Virtek Vision is pleased to announce the sale of its Virtek® LaserEdge® projection system to Eurocopter Canada for use in composite layup and reverse engineering. Virtek’s LaserEdge system is a three-dimensional laser templating system that eliminates the need for physical templates. It projects a laser template onto molds to guide operators through the ply layup process, minimizing errors and maximizing productivity.
Dwayne Charette, director of Global Supply Chain at Eurocopter Canada, said, “Eurocopter Canada is committed to growing as a centre of excellence in the world of composite manufacturing. I witnessed the success of Virtek’s LaserEdge technology at Eurocopter facilities across Europe, which gave our team the facts they needed to make an informed decision about installing the system in our facility.”
Professionals from Virtek worked closely with Eurocopter Canada’s composites team to assist with integrating the LaserEdge system into their clean room. “Our team quickly adapted to the new system by applying best practices and user-friendly technology from Virtek,” said Jim Kennedy, manager of Composites Manufacturing at Eurocopter Canada.
Todd Rhodes, Virtek’s president, said, “Virtek provides laser projection solutions to the world’s 10 largest aerospace companies and is proud to be the chosen partner for Eurocopter to help them achieve their current and future goals.”
Data used by the system is usually sourced from CAD-generated laminate designs, but LaserEdge is also capable of reverse engineering in cases where data from 3D CAD is not available. “LaserEdge proved its capabilities by reverse engineering both the parts and tools, making the entire process more cost-effective and increasing production efficiency,” added Charette.
About Virtek Vision
Virtek Vision International Inc. provides high-precision, laser-based kitting, templating and inspection solutions for composite processing. The company serves the world’s top 10 aerospace companies, among others. It is owned by Gerber Technology of Tolland, Connecticut, USA.
About Eurocopter Group and Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada (http://www.eurocopter.ca) is a market leader with 67 percent of new aircraft sales, supporting more than 620 aircraft that are operated by 160 customers across Canada. Eurocopter Canada, a subsidiary of Eurocopter is based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec and has a customer support network that spans the entire country.
Eurocopter Group, established in 1992, is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service for some 2,900 customers in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.
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