SME Conference focuses on measurement, inspection, and analysis.
Press Release Summary:
Set for Nov 18-19, SME's Aerospace Measurement, Inspection, and Analysis Conference will meet needs of manufacturing directors, new product engineers, and design and manufacturing engineers through best practice sessions and networking opportunities. Day 1 will present discussions from leading aerospace companies such as Northrop Grumman and Boeing, while day 2 is devoted to data collection and analysis. An "Ask the Experts" industry panel and daily wrap-up will round out Conference.
Original Press Release:
Aerospace Industry Survey Says: Measurement, Inspection & Analysis are Hot Topics
New SME Conference Takes Flight at AeroTest America 2008 - November 18-19, Fort Worth Convention Center
DEARBORN, Mich., September 11, 2008 - The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) recently asked more than 300 aerospace manufacturing professionals, "What is the biggest issue, regarding quality, facing manufacturers today?"
More than half of those surveyed indicated a need to understand new information on the latest technologies and acquire updated skills in the areas of measurement (54 percent), inspection (55 percent) and data analysis (52.3 percent).
SME's survey not only uncovered the unique, daily quality challenges leading aerospace manufacturers encounter, (lead time pressures, supplier quality issues, recognizing inaccurate date) but also provided a framework for the Society to develop a new event.
Set for November 18-19, 2008, SME's Aerospace Measurement, Inspection & Analysis Conference is designed to meet the needs of such aerospace professionals as manufacturing directors, new product engineers, design and manufacturing engineers and the like through best practice sessions and networking opportunities.
"The Conference is intended to bring together the tips, the tools and the experts needed to help the aerospace industry move a product as cost-efficiently and safely as possible from the factory floor to the air," said SME Executive Director and General Manager Mark C. Tomlinson.
Co-located with the AeroTest America 2008 Expo & Forum, SME's conference will be broken down into two distinct days of best practice sharing: measurement & inspection and data analysis.
Day one will present discussions from leading aerospace companies such as Northrop Grumman and Boeing. In particular, Northrop Grumman's Tim Shinbara, Jr. and Jeremy Barrows will discuss solutions and new technologies for in-process inspection, while Boeing Commercial Airplanes' Michael Lazar will present "Measuring Large Aircraft Structure with Laser Radar."
Additionally, an expert from Parker Hannifen will talk about specific measurement challenges aerospace manufacturers face when working with suppliers. Finally, a networking reception on the AeroTest 2008 show floor will cap off the day.
Day two is devoted to data collection and analysis.
"Collecting data is only part of the process of getting quality right the first time. Analyzing it and figuring how it can be used to improve daily processes and eliminate mishaps will ultimately help a project finally take flight," said Tomlinson.
Some specific highlights of day two include a presentation from Jesse Boyer of Pratt & Whitney. Boyer will cover 3-D surface, non-contact inspection technologies and how these methods ensure repeatable, and above all, accurate results. Other discussion topics are "Export Control Challenges" and "Advanced 3D Imaging Technologies for Reverse Engineering Aging Aircraft."
An "Ask the Experts" industry panel and daily wrap-up will round out the Conference.
"SME is pleased to welcome some of the industry's top experts who will offer real world solutions for real world problems in daily aerospace operations," said Tomlinson.
"Attendees should leave the Conference with a better understanding of how to improve quality and lower production costs and a greater knowledge of cutting-edge technologies made possible not only by the Conference, but also by the 200 companies represented at AeroTest 2008. In essence, it is two conferences in one," he added.
For more information, please visit www.sme.org/aerotest.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Registration
Media wishing to cover the Aerospace Measurement, Inspection & Analysis Conference may be granted complimentary attendance. Media must first register for the AeroTest America 2008 Expo & Forum at www.aerotestamerica.com. Then request permission to cover the SME conferences by sending an email to communications@sme.org no later than November 5, 2008.
About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The Society has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide.
About AeroTest America:
AeroTest America 2008 Expo & Forum, to be held November 17-20, 2008, at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, is a unique, fully dedicated showcase of the latest testing, analytical and inspection technologies and specialist services for the civil and military aviation, space engineering and airborne defense industries. The event combines several delegate-based targeted conferences and symposia, networking environments and opportunities, along with a comprehensive exhibitor showcase, Technology Forum, and off-site technical tour programs, and an Industry Gala Celebration dinner.
