An approach for machining distortion measurements and evaluation of thin-walled blades with small datum

Inspection techniques for aero-engine blades are a hot topic in industry. Since these blades have a sculptured surface and a small datum, measurement results may deviate from an actual position. There are few proper approaches compensating for non-uniform distribution errors that are within specified tolerance ranges. This study aimed to develop a meshing structure measuring approach for the distortion of blades via non-contact optical 3D scanning. A rough measurement and a registration procedure are initially adopted to rectify the coordinate system of a blade, which avoids the initial coordinate system errors caused by the small datum. A measurement path with meshing structure is then unfolded on the blade surface. For non-uniform distribution errors, the meshing structure measurement is more visual and clear than the traditional constant height curves method. All measuring points take only 7 min to complete, and the distribution of error is directly and accurately presented by the meshing structure. This study provides a basis for future research on distortion control and error compensation.