Handheld CMM Enhances Precision and Efficiency at Aviation MRO Facility

Handheld CMM Enhances Precision and Efficiency at Aviation MRO Facility

In the demanding field of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), precision is critical. Components such as life-limited engine parts operate under extreme conditions, where even slight deviations from specifications can jeopardize safety and performance. For JETAIR SUPPORT, a specialist in aviation component inspection and maintenance, upholding stringent standards of accuracy and efficiency is indispensable.

Addressing Measurement Challenges with Advanced Technology

Historically, JETAIR SUPPORT relied on manual measurement tools including calipers, micrometers, and height gauges to assess critical features such as thickness, height, roundness, and concentricity. While these instruments provided a baseline level of accuracy, they were time-intensive and susceptible to operator variability. As inspection volumes increased and tolerances became more exacting, the limitations of these traditional methods became increasingly evident, often necessitating additional efforts to resolve discrepancies raised by customers.

The company’s encounter with the KEYENCE XM-5000 Handheld Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) at an industry convention marked a turning point. The device’s portability, intuitive design, and capacity to maintain tight tolerances distinguished it from conventional tools. Following a comprehensive evaluation, JETAIR SUPPORT integrated the XM-5000 into its inspection workflow to enhance measurement precision and streamline operations.

Since its adoption, the handheld CMM has become a cornerstone of JETAIR SUPPORT’s inspection processes. It enables accurate measurement of both interior and exterior features, verification of roundness and concentricity in engine components, and rapid re-assessment of key dimensions when discrepancies arise. Additionally, the system automates the generation of inspection reports, facilitating quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Notably, the XM-5000’s ability to simultaneously measure average diameter and report roundness represents a significant advancement over previous tools.

Impact on Operations and Industry Trends

Over the past two years, the implementation of the XM-5000 has yielded substantial benefits. Measurement precision has improved markedly, allowing inspectors to consistently meet stringent aviation tolerances. Inspection routines have become more efficient, reducing turnaround times without sacrificing quality. Enhanced repeatability has minimized errors and rework, contributing to lower operational costs. Furthermore, automated reporting has strengthened compliance with regulatory standards through consistent and thorough documentation.

Integrating advanced metrology solutions such as the XM-5000 into established MRO workflows presents challenges, including resistance rooted in traditional maintenance practices and the necessity for comprehensive personnel training. Nevertheless, the clear advantages are fostering growing interest in precision measurement technologies throughout the aviation maintenance sector.

In response, competitors are advancing their metrology offerings or developing complementary technologies to maintain market relevance. A notable development is Hexagon’s acquisition of IconPro in December 2025, signaling a broader industry shift toward incorporating artificial intelligence and advanced analytics for asset monitoring. These trends are poised to reshape competitive dynamics and strategic approaches within aviation MRO.

For JETAIR SUPPORT, the adoption of the KEYENCE XM-5000 represents a decisive advancement in precision, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, establishing a new benchmark for inspection excellence in the aviation maintenance industry.