“Thrust Reverser Latches” has been added to your cart. View cart

Airfoil Inspection Fixtures

Name: Airfoil Fixtures & Wing Shape Inspection Gauges – Frigate
Price: 249.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (837 reviews)

Airfoil inspection fixtures geometry plays a crucial role in aerodynamic performance, thermal management, and overall engine efficiency. To achieve and verify tight tolerances on complex 3D surfaces, robust and repeatable fixturing systems are essential.

Component Compatibility

Blades – 50–1500mm length, Vanes – Ø100–800mm, Custom CAD-based profiles

Datum Scheme

3-2-1 Location Principle, ASME Y14.5-2018 Compliant, Laser-etched Datum Targets

Clamping Mechanism

Vacuum Chuck (0.5–1.0 bar), Non-Marring Elastomer Jaws, Quick-Release Levers (<5N Force)

Measurement Interface

CMM Probe Access (25mm clearance), Laser Tracker Mounts, Touch Trigger Ports

Material Specification

Granite Base (ISO 8512-2), Aluminum 7075-T6 (Moving Parts), Stainless Steel 316 (Clamps)

Product Description

Airfoil inspection fixtures enable precise validation of critical features such as root profiles, chord lengths, twists, and shroud geometries. Designed for seamless integration with high-accuracy CMMs, laser scanners, and structured light systems, these fixtures ensure reliable, traceable inspection in turbine blade and vane manufacturing.

Dimensional Accuracy

±0.01mm/m (Static), ±0.02mm Repeatability, 0.005mm Resolution

Thermal Stability

0.003mm/°C Expansion Coefficient, ±0.5°C Controlled Environment

Ergonomics

Height-Adjustable (800–1200mm), ≤10kg Modular Components, Anti-Fatigue Matting Zone

Corrosion Resistance

Anodized (Al), Passivated (SS), Epoxy-Coated (Steel), Ra ≤0.8µm Surface Finish

Certification Standards

AS9102 (FAI), ISO 9001, NADCAP AC7004 (Inspection)

Technical Advantages

Positional repeatability is ensured using a three-point kinematic constraint system supported by hardened datum spheres or V-block locators. Each constraint corresponds to a defined datum frame (usually A-B-C), eliminating over-constraint and allowing deterministic placement of the airfoil without stress induction. Airfoil inspection fixtures design tolerances are held within ±0.002 mm, enabling measurement systems to isolate part deviation without introducing fixture-related bias.

The fixture base is manufactured from stabilized tool-grade materials such as MIC6 aluminum or electroless nickel-plated steel to maintain structural flatness under mechanical load. All surfaces interfacing with the component are ground to sub-5-micron flatness, and stiffness is validated using FEA to minimize deflection during clamping. This ensures that the reference planes used during inspection remain invariant under process and operator-induced forces.

Let's Get Started

Need reliable Machining for your next project? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find exactly what you need!

Industry Applications

Turbine Blade Dimensional Validation in Aerospace Engines

Used to inspect twist, chord, and profile accuracy of turbine blades in jet engine manufacturing and overhaul facilities.

Quality Control in Industrial Gas Turbine Production

Enables verification of airfoil contour, platform geometry, and root configuration in power generation turbine component manufacturing.

CMM-Based Inspection of Investment-Cast Airfoils

Provides stable reference during contact measurement of cast blade geometry, ensuring accurate form and profile deviation reporting.

Non-Contact Scanning of High-Pressure Turbine Vanes

Supports structured-light and laser scanners by maintaining fixed orientation and eliminating vibrational or thermal-induced misalignment during scanning.

Shroud and Platform Datum Alignment in Multistage Blades

Aligns complex multi-feature blades by referencing machined shroud and platform datums for multi-axis metrology equipment setups.

Inspection of Additive-Manufactured Airfoils in R&D

Used in dimensional validation of 3D-printed blades for verifying manufacturing deviations before qualification or functional testing stages.

Metrology-Grade Datum Alignment for Coordinate System Consistency

Primary and secondary datums are integrated into the fixture using hardened steel pins, ceramic spheres, or precision-machined ledges aligned to the CAD model’s nominal coordinate system. Datum transfer accuracy is validated using laser tracker data and cross-referenced with CMM-reported positional alignment, ensuring alignment consistency between setup and measurement software.

Airfoil Inspection Fixtures are designed with modular nests or interchangeable interface plates to accommodate multiple blade variants or left-right symmetric geometries without needing full fixture duplication. Quick-change locator modules are doweled and locked using repeatable zero-point clamping systems with positional accuracy within ±0.005 mm.

Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does Frigate ensure fixture repeatability across multiple airfoil variants?

Frigate uses zero-point modular clamping systems with dowel-based indexing to lock interchangeable nests. Each nest is precision-machined and verified against the master CAD datum. Positional variation is kept within ±0.005 mm across changeovers. This allows inspection of multiple blade types with consistent accuracy.

What is Frigate’s approach to minimizing probe interference during complex surface scanning?

Frigate designs airfoil inspection fixtures with open probe access to pressure side, suction side, and trailing edge regions. Clamp placement is carefully offset from measurement paths and verified through CMM simulation software. All holding elements are recessed or relieved to avoid scanner shadowing. This allows full-surface data acquisition without repositioning.

How does Frigate control for fixture deformation under blade clamping forces?

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is applied during fixture design to validate structural rigidity under expected loading. Materials are selected based on stiffness-to-weight ratio and thermal response. Stress-relieved tool steel or MIC6 aluminum are commonly used. Frigate validates each fixture for deflection under load before delivery.

How does Frigate support inspection of airfoils produced through additive manufacturing?

Frigate builds custom nests with reliefs to accommodate as-printed surface variations common in AM blades. Airfoil inspection fixtures are designed to reference raw datum features before post-processing. This enables early-stage dimensional validation against nominal CAD geometry. Optical marker support is also available for full-field scanning applications.

How are Frigate’s fixtures validated for metrology-grade inspection?

Each fixture undergoes CMM-based certification using calibrated reference artifacts. Datum alignment accuracy and contact point tolerances are documented and traceable. Frigate provides a validation report with GD&T compliance checks. This ensures the fixture is ready for ISO 17025-aligned inspection environments.

Get Clarity with Our Manufacturing Insights

How Cold Chamber Casting Solves the Problem of High-Melting Alloys

Are you struggling to produce high-quality components from metals with high melting points, such as aluminum,...

Achieving Cost Savings Through Advanced Supply Chain Automation

Have you ever wondered why some companies struggle with delays in order deliveries or end up with too...

Sand Casting vs Investment Casting - Choosing the Right Method for Your Project

Sand casting and investment casting are valuable tools, each with its own strengths. Choosing the right...

The Hidden Cost of Low-Cost Outdoor Lighting Transformers

Outdoor lighting infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing safety, visibility, and aesthetics across...

How to Select CNC Machining Partners with Robust Supply Chain Traceability

Precision manufacturing depends not only on dimensional accuracy but also on complete supply chain visibility....

The Role of CNC Machining in EV Components Development

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is witnessing rapid growth, driven by the need for sustainable transportation...

How to Spot and Avoid Hidden Fees in Machining Quotes

Precision machining is central to high-performance manufacturing. Yet, one common problem that affects...

How Frigate Ensures Cost-Effective Casting Without Compromising Quality

Why is it so hard to achieve affordable casting without sacrificing quality? Many industries face this...

Reducing Installation Costs with Aluminium Bus Bars for Large Electrical Networks

Why Do Enterprises Still Struggle with Electrical Network Installations Despite Technological Advancements?...

Why Energy Efficiency in Landscape Transformers Matters More Than Ever?

Rising global electricity costs and stricter efficiency standards are reshaping the way outdoor lighting...

We'd love to Manufacture for you!

Submit the form below and our representative will be in touch shortly.

LOCATIONS

Registered Office

10-A, First Floor, V.V Complex, Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy-620013, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

Automotive OEM & Aftermarket

Aerospace & Defense

Electronics Manufacturing

Robotics & Automation Systems

Consumer Electronics

Medical Devices

Renewable Energy

Oil & Gas Equipment

Marine & Shipbuilding